THE AKSM PRESS

Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release | March 11, 2020

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

VILLANOVA, PA - Due to the Coronavirus' (COVID-19) recent impact on our community, AKSM Photography has decided to take certain measures in order to maintain a healthy environment for their team and their clients. AKSM Photography will be closing the studio beginning Saturday, March 14, 2020, until Monday, April 6, 2020. During this period AKSM Photography’s Executive Team will be able to assess the situation and its impact on their team.

AKSM Photography will also use the time to disinfect the studio and all equipment. This closure will NOT affect their on-location sessions and any corporate sessions that are scheduled outside of our studio. All scheduled in-studio sessions can either be postponed until opening or switched to an "on-location" session. Any university events that have been scheduled are currently suspended as well. While their team monitors the virus's impact on the community they will make a decision regarding Graduation Sessions no later than Friday, April 3, 2020.

AKSM Media continues to stay aware of the latest information from public health professionals from World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), State Department, and the Pennsylvania Department of Health to ensure we are aware of the most recent updates on the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The health and safety of our talent, clients, staff and team is our main priority.

While the total number of coronavirus cases in the United States remains relatively small, experts expect this number to grow as testing increases and more individuals seek care. Currently, the key recommendations from public health agencies to prevent the spread of coronavirus are regular, thorough, hand-washing and that symptomatic individuals remain home rather than going to a public place.

AKSM Media has implemented or planned the following to increase awareness and protect our community:

1. Making touch-points a high priority for cleaning

2. Outfitting key areas with disposable disinfectant wipes to sanitize desks, tables, and technology tools between uses

3. Placing hand sanitizers throughout buildings, buses and vehicles and encouraging their regular use

4. For those team members that are currently serving our International Offices and/or have future travel scheduled; all travel, teams and shows outside of North America are currently suspended until further notice

5. Certain appearances by talent at domestic events in the United States have been canceled due to crowd concerns

6. Closure of all in-studio photography sessions

We are monitoring the State Department’s Travel Advisories and lean on the in-country host recommendations. Currently, the CDC has recommended against nonessential travel to South Korea, Italy, Iran, and China, but there are no other restrictions for other international or domestic travel. We will closely monitor those travel recommendations and share updates if the situation changes.