ScienceWriters2021

COVID-19 Release and Waiver of Liability

The National Association of Science Writers, Inc. (NASW) and the Council for the Advancement of Science Writing, Inc. (CASW) continue to monitor applicable federal, state, local and event venue public health policy and procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic.  NASW and CASW have put in place preventative measures to reduce and prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus during the ScienceWriters 2021 conference (the “Conference”); however, NASW and CASW are unable, under any circumstances, to guarantee that any attendee will not become infected with the COVID-19 virus while attending the Conference. 

In consideration for the educational, professional and other benefits I will gain from participating in the Conference, by my signature below, I hereby acknowledge and agree as follows:

1.         Assumption of Risk.  While governments and public health experts are working to understand COVID-19, much is still unknown.  The following is merely a summary of some publicly available information about COVID-19. NASW and CASW make no representation, warranty or covenant as to the accuracy or completeness of this information.  I have reviewed the information and recommendations about COVID-19 available on the website of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), available at: https://www.cdc.gov/, and on the website of the Colorado Department of Health, available at https://cdphe.colorado.gov/, and, if appropriate, I have consulted with my healthcare professional about attending the Conference.  

COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that has been declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization.  COVID-19 can be transmitted from infected individuals even if they are asymptomatic or their symptoms are mild.  It is primarily spread through the air but can also be spread in other ways, such as by touching a surface or object that has the SARS CoV-2 virus on it and then touching one’s mouth, nose or eyes.  According to the CDC, symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus, and may include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.  This list does not include all possible symptoms.  COVID-19 can result in personal injury, illness, disability, or even death.  Older adults and people with underlying medical conditions, such as heart or lung disease or diabetes, seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19.      

Spending extended periods of time with other people at the Conference, whether outside or inside, could increase the likelihood of being infected with COVID-19.  Neither NASW nor CASW makes any representation, warranty or covenant that it can keep the Conference free from COVID-19, that attendees or others at the Conference will not have or contract COVID-19, or that they will be notified if attendees or others at the Conference have or contract COVID-19 while at the Conference or following their departure.  Attendees will bear sole responsibility for their own medical care. 

I have made my own investigation of the risks of my participation in the conference, including the risks described above, and I understand and appreciate those risks.  I voluntarily accept and assume the full risk of and responsibility for any injuries (including death), damages or losses relating to COVID-19 that I may sustain that are in any way associated with my attendance at the conference.

 

 

2.         Release of Liability and Waiver of Right to Sue. 

I hereby expressly waive and release any and all claims or causes of action, now known or hereafter known, that I may have against NASW, CASW, and their officers, directors, manager(s), employees, agents, successors, and assigns (collectively, the “Released Parties”), on account of injury, illness, disability, or death arising out of or attributable COVID-19, whether arising out of ordinary negligence or otherwise.  I covenant not to make or bring any such claim or cause of action against NASW, CASW or any other Released Party.

3.         Program Rules and Changes.

The Conference organizers have put in place policies and procedures designed to reduce the spread of COVID-19, which they may update from time to time, and I agree to abide by those policies and procedures.  NASW and CASW reserve the right to make such changes to the Conference, including the dates, as they deem necessary or advisable in their sole discretion, due to COVID-19.

 

 

I have read this COVID-19 Release and Waiver of Liability, and I fully understand its contents.  I understand that the Conference will take place during the COVID-19 pandemic and involves risk of serious health impairment or even death, and I assume and accept those risks.  I also understand that I have released, discharged and waived rights I would otherwise have in connection with those risks.  I have freely and voluntarily chosen to participate in the Conference and to sign this release and waiver.