COVID-19 Reopening Safety Plan
The following is our reopening safety plan for Sean Murphy Studios, LLC and our sub brands Southern Tier Headshots and CNY Creative.
Name of Business: Sean Murphy Studios LLC
Industry: Professional Services - Photography
Address: 33 Edward Street, Johnson City, NY 13790
Contact Information: 607-343-2209 / sean@seanmurphystudios.com
Owner/Manager of Business: Melissa Murphy, Owner
UPDATE March 2021. Both Sean and Melissa Murphy are vaccinated against COVID-19 as are several of our frequently utilized interns. If you have questions about our crew at your event or session and their vaccination status, please reach out and we will be glad to discuss and make sure you are comfortable.
I. PEOPLE
A. Physical Distancing. To ensure employees and clients comply with physical distancing requirements, we agree that we will do the following:
1. A strict set of “No Personal Contact” rules are in effect. We will not be hand shaking or having physical contact with our clients. We will not be meeting in close spaces where a 6 foot personal distancing space cannot be achieved. In the unlikely event that we need to be closer than 6 feet from our customers, we will utilize face coverings.
2. All portrait sessions will be encouraged to be done outside in a local park or outdoor venue where social distancing is easily achieved. The nature of portrait photography is a distanced event, there is no reason to be close to someone during a session.
3. Other types of portrait sessions, like headshots, that typically occur in studio, will be conducted with a 6 foot social distancing space allowance with never more than one member of our team involved. The studio is configured in a way where a client can enter studio, move to the “mark” and have their portraits taken without ever coming within 6 feet of the photographer.
4. In studio sessions will be limited to the subject(s) and at most one other person from the family of the subject(s) so that there are not large gatherings in the studio.
5. In many cases, a “reveal session” is held in studio where the subject(s) are shown their portraits for the first time. We have reconfigured the studio to allow for 3-4 members of the subject(s) immediate family (all residing at the same address) to enter the studio and sit in a position where they will never cross paths with the photographer and will not need to be within 6 feet at any time. This change has included the purchase of a large format display and rolling stands so that the room can be configured in a responsible way.
6. The studio is also offering reveal sessions via Skype, FaceTime, or Zoom for clients that feel more comfortable with this method.
7. There are occasions where an engaged couple will come to the studio to discuss wedding plans and their wedding photography options. Similar to a reveal session, these meetings will be limited to 2-4 people in attendance and the room will be configured in a way where the clients will never come within 6 feet of the photographers.
8. For clients who will be picking up prints, albums, and wall art, a non-contact socially distanced pickup can happen and be coordinated via phone.
II. PLACES
A. Protective Equipment. To ensure employees and clients comply with protective equipment requirements, we agree that we will do the following:
1. We will provide employees and clients with an acceptable face covering at no-cost and have an adequate supply of disposable one time use coverings in case of replacement.
2. We will provide employees and clients with disposable non-latex gloves at no-cost and have an adequate supply in case of replacement.
3. Face coverings must be cleaned or replaced after use or when damaged or soiled, may not be shared, and should be properly stored or discarded.
4. This supply of face coverings and gloves will be available in studio as well as at remote shoots.
5. We will limit the sharing of objects and discourage touching of shared surfaces; or, when in contact with shared objects or frequently touched areas, wear gloves (trade-appropriate or medical); or, sanitize or wash hands before and after contact.
6. Common objects that are likely to be shared between employees and clients are listed below. These items will be sanitized between guest visits.
a) Pens
b) Credit card chip readers
c) Sample products
B. Hygiene and Cleaning. To ensure employees and clients comply with hygiene and cleaning requirements, we agree that we will do the following:
1. Adhere to hygiene and sanitation requirements from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Department of Health (DOH) and maintain cleaning logs on site that document date, time, and scope of cleaning.
a) Sean Murphy will be responsible for maintaining the cleaning log and it will be kept in the studio building.
2. A prominent sanitization station is now available directly by the studio door which includes Clorox Wipes (or equivalent) and hand sanitizer. Disposable face coverings and non-latex gloves will also be made available to those who desire them. These items will also be in our vehicle so they would be available on location shoots as well.
3. Immediately before and after every in studio session, be it a photo shoot or a reveal/meeting, all items that would be touched by customers (door handles inside and out, chairs, etc.) will be wiped down using Clorox Wipes or equivalent means and the floor area will be mopped.
C. Communication. To ensure the business and its employees comply with communication requirements, we agree that we will do the following:
1. A sign reminding employees and clients to adhere to proper hygiene, social distancing rules, appropriate use of PPE, and cleaning and disinfecting protocols has been placed in the studio.
2. We have established a communication plan for employees, visitors, and customers with a consistent means to provide updated information.
3. If an employee tests positive for COVID-19, we will immediately notify state and local health departments and cooperate with contact tracing efforts, including notification of potential contacts, such as clients or visitors who had close contact with the individual, while maintaining confidentiality required by state and federal law and regulations.
a) If a worker tests positive for COVID-19, Sean Murphy will be responsible for notifying state and local health departments?
III. PROCESS
A. Screening. To ensure the business and its employees comply with protective equipment requirements, we agree that we will do the following:
1. We have implemented a mandatory health screening assessment before employees begin work each day and for essential visitors, asking about (1) COVID-19 symptoms in past 14 days, (2) positive COVID-19 test in past 14 days, and/or (3) close contact with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case in past 14 days. Assessment responses must be reviewed every day and such review must be documented.
a) Before every day with client activities in the studio or at remote locations, any employee involved will be screened for body temperature.
b) A new series of questions has been added to the client communication emails sent 24 hours before the session or meeting that requests answers to the questions of (1) COVID-19 symptoms in past 14 days, (2) positive COVID-19 test in past 14 days, and/or (3) close contact with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case in past 14 days.
B. Contact tracing and disinfection of contaminated areas. To ensure the business and its employees comply with contact tracing and disinfection requirements, we agree that we will do the following:
1. We have a plan for cleaning, disinfection, and contact tracing in the event of a positive case.
a) In the case of an employee testing positive for COVID-19, all areas of the studio will be cleaned using CDC directed processes and approved disinfectants.
b) In the case of an employee testing positive for COVID-19, we will immediately notify state and local health departments and cooperate with contact tracing efforts, including notification of potential contacts, such as clients or visitors who had close contact with the individual, while maintaining confidentiality required by state and federal law and regulations.
We believe that based on the changes we have made to our studio working environment and utilizing these rules, we will be able to operate in a way that keeps us and our customers safe.
Additional safety information, guidelines, and resources are available at:
New York State Department of Health Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Website
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Coronavirus (COVID-19) Website
Occupational Safety and Health Administration COVID-19 Website