Coronavirus Concerns & prevention methods
Hello everyone!
I’m sure by now, you’ve noticed the panic and media hype surrounding this new strain of the Coronavirus. Perhaps more alarming than the virus itself is the way people are reacting and I wanted to take a moment to discuss some concerns, as well as the preventative measures we’re taking to protect your family and little ones at the studio to help assuage at least some of your fears.
At Michelle Osborne Photography, nothing is more important than your little one’s safety! I take every precaution to maintain a sterile environment at my studio so that my littlest clients and their families are protected - which I should mention I was doing long before this new strain of Coronavirus was a concern. I’ve always been extremely conscientious about germs and while I completely agree new parents should be vigilant, my studio is arguably one of the most sterile environments you’ll visit with your baby.
I’m very fortunate because my studio is in a separate location from my home so there’s no kids or pets in and out to spread germs around. Clients park directly in front of my door and come inside. I always recommend leaving a carseat cover over baby until we get settled inside the studio anyway so they’re not exposed to the cold breeze or any germs outdoors. I’m the only tenant in my building so other than clients, I’m the only person in and out. I sanitize every surface that can possibly touched before and after sessions so that germs aren’t spread between clients. I also Lysol the air heavily before I leave for the evening to mitigate the risk of airborne germs. I wash all blankets, wraps, etc. that come in contact with your baby prior to every session as an added protection and practice good hand hygiene to an extreme degree. I scrub like I’m going into surgery for 3 minutes with antibacterial soap and warm water immediately prior to every session. Furthermore, parents will see I use hand sanitizer liberally and frequently throughout the session. Before I ever touch your baby, my hands are sanitized just to be safe.
Additionally, I will never schedule a session if I’m even slightly under the weather. I will reschedule if I’ve been exposed to anything and wait until after the incubation period to ensure I’m in the clear and won’t develop symptoms before I even consider rescheduling. If I have so much as a severe headache, I will err on the side of caution and reschedule in case it’s a symptom of some sort of virus. I take your baby’s health VERY seriously and would never knowingly put anyone at risk. If I have to visit my doctor for so much as a yearly checkup, I will wear a face mask to avoid potential exposure to airborne germs. As far as I’m concerned, you can never be too careful! I will keep masks on hand at the studio and am happy to wear one during the session if it makes parents feel more comfortable.
Lastly, my studio has a strict no-sick policy. Clients are required to reschedule if their child or anyone in the family who will be attending the session is under the weather to prevent anyone bringing unnecessary germs into the studio. I am monitoring my temperature daily just to ensure I never run a fever and I’m asking my clients to check theirs as well before coming to the studio.
*For now, sessions will be limited to immediate family only. Only the people being photographed (parents, sibling, etc) will be welcome for newborn sessions for the time being. If Mom is coming alone and would like to have a grandma or relative come to help, that is fine. However, extended family will be restricted from newborn sessions over at least the next month or so to limit the number of people visiting the studio.
While I might definitely avoid taking the baby to public places frequented by large crowds or stores during this time, a one-time trip to my fairly isolated studio is perfectly safe. Truthfully, baby has a far greater chance of being exposed to germs in the hospital or during check-ups at the pediatrician.
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If you’re still concerned, there are some simple steps you can take at home to protect yourself and your loved ones from this new strain, as recommended by the CDC:
COVER ANY COUGHS OR SNEEZES. This should be common courtesy at this point, but it’s always best to cover your nose and mouth with a Kleenex when you cough or sneeze. Then immediately discard the tissue in the trash and wash your hands with soap and water. If you’re not in a place where you’re able to actually wash your hands, sanitize with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer until you can.
WASH YOUR HANDS! THOROUGHLY AND FREQUENTLY. It is important to wash your hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds frequently throughout the day to avoid spreading germs. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol making sure to cover all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.
AVOID TOUCHING YOUR FACE (EYES, NOSE, MOUTH) WITH UNWASHED HANDS. This is how many contract a majority of illnesses and it’s such an easy precaution you can take. Always wash your hands prior to touching your face.
DON’T SHARE PERSONAL ITEMS. It’s best to avoid sharing personal items such as dishes, drinking glasses, cups, utensils, cosmetics, towels, or bedding.
SANITIZE HIGH-TOUCH SURFACES DAILY. High touch surfaces include but are not limited to: counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, light switches, phones, tablets, keyboards, and remotes. Use a household cleaning spray or Clorox wipe to sanitize these surfaces each day. Be sure to follow any label instructions, as well as any recommended safety precautions. There’s a multitude of alternative or organic cleaners available these days that are great for homes with young children.
I do understand the caution and realize many are concerned at this time; there’s nothing wrong with that. I recommend listening to the experts and healthcare professionals who haven’t given into mass panic and less to news outlets who sensationalize every headline. This will pass and in the meantime, take precautions.
Dr. Abdu Sharkaway (an infectious disease specialist) said it far more eloquently than I ever could:
“I implore you all. Temper fear with reason, panic with patience and uncertainty with education. We have an opportunity to learn a great deal about health hygiene and limiting the spread of innumerable transmissible diseases in our society. Let's meet this challenge together in the best spirit of compassion for others, patience, and above all, an unfailing effort to seek truth, facts and knowledge as opposed to conjecture, speculation and catastrophizing.
Facts not fear. Clean hands. Open hearts.
Our children will thank us for it.”