Just as you are taking precautions to protect yourself, families and businesses, TDLR is undertaking the same assessments. TDLR has a COVID-19 rapid response team to evaluate the situation on a moment-by-moment basis, so we can continue to provide the high level of customer service and consumer protection you deserve.
We are working to ensure the health and safety of TDLR employees so they can help our licensees and consumers. To protect the agency working environment, we’re reminding employees to wash their hands, cover their noses and mouths when they cough, and to stay home if they’re not feeling well.
We know that you’re also concerned about the health and safety of your clients or patients. To that end, please be mindful that all TDLR licensees must strictly adhere to all relevant health and sanitation practices and procedures that apply to their professions for the protection of the public. In addition, you should implement all relevant COVID-19-specific recommendations and direction from state and local health authorities.
We have taken steps as an agency to respond to the increasing challenges presented by this rapidly changing situation:
Enacting provisions for temporary emergency distance education for licensed Barber, Cosmetology, Driver Education and Massage Therapy schools.
Canceling all professional and amateur combative sports events licensed by TDLR (including boxing, mixed martial arts [MMA] and Muay Thai bouts ) scheduled between now and April 30.
Implementing temporary telework procedures for employees whose work can be done remotely.
Canceling most advisory board meetings, including:
Architectural Barriers Advisory Committee scheduled for Monday, March 30;
Code Enforcement Officers Advisory Committee scheduled for Thursday, April 9;
Licensed Breeders Advisory Committee scheduled for Monday, April 13;
Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists Advisory Board scheduled for Tuesday, April 14;
Massage Therapy Advisory Board scheduled for Monday, April 20;
Hearing Instrument Fitters and Dispensers Advisory Board scheduled for Monday, April 27;
Midwives Advisory Board scheduled for Wednesday, April 29;
Dietitians Advisory Board scheduled for Thursday, April 30;
We are exploring the possibility of holding some meetings via teleconference. Details will be announced at a later date.
Canceling in-person Strategic Planning town hall meetings that had been scheduled in five Texas cities. TDLR is exploring ways to conduct those sessions online.
Canceling all nonessential TDLR employee travel to conferences.
The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has detailed and up-to-date information about the impact of COVID-19 in Texas and the State’s response and efforts: https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/
The CDC continues to provide updates about COVID-19 and its impact in the U.S. and beyond: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
You can find the latest TDLR information related to the COVID-19 outbreak here: http://www.tdlr.texas.gov/covid19.htm.
Yours in service,
Brian E. Francis
TDLR executive director
