COVID-19 INFO
Studio and Newborn photoshoots are permitted as of the 4th July 2020.
The studio is now fully open and I have made sure that it is a safe environment for staff and customers. Masks MUST BE WORN at all times when in the studio.
Newborn Photography - All Government guidelines are followed, scrubs and masks are worn with each session. The studio is thoroughly cleaned after every session and an hours gap is held between each shoot. All props are machine washed and where this is not possible they are disinfected and put away for a minimum of 48 hours.
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Every photographer will have different guidelines. I have written out my Health and Safety Policy in line with government guidelines for England and copied it below to show you all the measures we've taken to keep us all safe.
Sarah Thew Photography COVID-19
HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOL (4th June 2020)
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The health, safety and welfare of our customers is of paramount importance to us. I have prepared the following H&S Covid-19 Protocol for my customers to the best of the information that is available at this time.
I agree that myself and staff will follow the Covid-19 advice given by HM Government, the devolved Parliaments of Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and your Local Authority appertaining to Sarah Thew Photography. In addition I will maintain a clean and safe environment for myself, staff and customers.
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1. Studio cleaning policy
Before and after every studio session the studio is deep cleaned by using disinfectant / isopropyl alcohol and/or steam cleaning. All surfaces that could be touched and all props used are sanitised. All blankets and outfits used are washed or sanitised between portrait sessions. The studio will be aired thoroughly to minimise any droplets in the air.
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2. Time between sessions
At least 1 hour will be left between sessions to enable a deep clean of all surfaces and accessories to take place and to ensure there is no contact between customers arriving and leaving the premises.
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3. Sick policy
Customers will be temperature tested when entering the studio or will need to disclose if anyone coming to the session has or had a fever or any other symptoms such as coughs, sickness or vomiting or has been in contact with anyone displaying Covid-19 symptoms, suspected of having Covid-19 or has had a Covid-19 positive test result at least 24 hours before their session. Appointments will be re-arranged, at no cost.
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4. Self monitoring
All photographers / staff and customers will be required to monitor their temperatures and health before coming into the studio. Disposable gloves and masks will be available in the studio and these should be used as deemed necessary and appropriate.
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5. Hand washing
All photographers and staff will be required to thoroughly wash their hands for a minimum of 20 seconds before all sessions. Appropriate sanitising hand gels will be made available and customers requested to use these upon arrival at the studio.
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6. Social distancing
All photographers and staff agree that every effort will be made to keep the 2m social distancing advice at all times where possible both in the studio and on location. This includes shaking hands and moving / adjusting hair or clothes. Parents may be asked to help move their children and babies as requested by the photographer. During the portrait session instructions to the clients will be given from the distance stipulated by and in accordance with the social distancing rules.
Due to the restrictions imposed by social distancing, it may not be appropriate to offer usual studio sessions and poses, particularly with regard to newborn sessions. To carry out these types of sessions where social distancing may not be possible due to safety, a bespoke policy will be put in place between the Studio and customer.
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7. Appointments Only
Sarah Thew Photography will operate an appointment only booking system to ensure no contact between customers and minimise risk to photographers and staff by ensuring that the measures on this protocol are conveyed to customers before their appointments.
8. Covid-19 Secure in 2020
Sarah Thew Photography has completed, signed and displays the completed “Covid-19 Secure in 2020” notice as required by www.gov.uk
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9. Risk Assessment
Sarah Thew Photography has a valid Covid-19 Risk Assessment with regard to distancing and reasonable measures guidance.
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10. 2m Distancing
Sarah Thew Photography will advise customers whether 2m distancing can be maintained during their time at the Studio where possible.
11. Reasonable Measures
Sarah Thew Photography will advise customers of the reasonable measures which are to be taken if their risk assessment has identified that the 2m distance is not feasible and cannot be maintained during their time at the Studio. These measures should include, but are not limited to, gloves and masks to be worn by staff and customers.
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12. Working Safely During Coronavirus Guidance
Sarah Thew Photography acknowledge the Government’s “Working safely during coronavirus Guidance” statement relating to shops and or similar environments issued on 25th May 2020 which states that Photography Studios can be open from the 15th June 2020.