This Volunteer Release, Assumption of Risk and Waiver of Liability, (“Release”), is executed on the date set forth below by the Volunteer/Participant whose name and signature is affixed hereto in favor and for the benefit of UNION TEMPLE BAPTIST CHURCH, (“UTBC”), a religious organization located at 1225 W Street, SE, Washington, DC 20020.
WHEREAS, the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, is understood and believed to be extremely contagious and may spread from person-to-person contact. As a result the District of Columbia has advised against and/or restricted the congregation of groups of people.
WHEREAS, UTBC is following local government directives and has put in place preventative measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
WHEREAS, despite the risks involved, you desire to participate in ministry, volunteer and outreach activities held on UTBC premises, and in consideration for receiving permission from UTBC to participate, it is your express desire to assume any and all responsibility for any injury or illness associated with your participation as set forth below.
You hereby freely, voluntarily, and without duress execute this Release under the following terms:
1. Agreement to Follow Safety Protocols. You understand that UTBC requires all individuals entering its premises during the COVID-19 pandemic to utilize approved masks, either surgical masks or improvised masks such as scarves, bandannas, and handkerchiefs, to reduce the risk of exposure to yourself and others (“Mask Requirement”). You agree to abide by the Mask Requirement and all other safety protocols posted on UTBC premises or otherwise so stated, to include but not limited to maintaining at least six (6) feet distance between you and other persons while on UTBC premises. You further understand and agree that you are also required to thoroughly wash or sanitize your hands upon arrival at UTBC for the volunteer or ministry activity,
at least every thirty (30) minutes during the ministry and volunteer activity when feasible, and after using the restroom, sneezing, or coughing. You further agree that you will not enter UTBC premises if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or any related virus, within the past forty-five (45) days before the date of this Release, or have a cough, a fever, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms associated with the common cold or flu. You understand that your failure to comply with these safety protocols, the posted protocols, or verbal instructions from UTBC agents and staff may result in your immediate removal from UTBC premises.
2. Acknowledgment of Risk. By signing this Agreement you acknowledge the contagious nature of COVID-19 and voluntarily assume the risk that you may be exposed to or infected by COVID-19, or other diseases such as the flu or legionnaires disease, by engaging in ministry or volunteer activities at UTBC, and that such exposure or infection may result in a serious medical condition requiring medical treatment in a hospital or could possibly lead to personal injury, other serious illness, permanent disability, and death. You understand that the risk of becoming exposed to or infected by COVID-19 may result from the actions, omissions, or negligence of yourself and others, including, but not limited to, UTBC’s officers, directors, managers, officials, trustees, agents, employees, volunteers, and other program/activity participants, and their successors and assigns.
3. Assumption of the Risk and Waiver of Liability. You are fully aware that there are a number of risks associated with entering UTBC premises and engaging in activities with others during the COVID-19 pandemic. Notwithstanding, you knowingly, freely and voluntarily agree to assume all of the foregoing risks and accept sole responsibility for any injury to yourself (including, but not limited to, personal injury, disability, and death), illness, damage, loss, claim, liability, or expense, of any kind, that you may experience or incur in connection with your participation in any ministry or volunteer activity at UTBC (“Claims”). You hereby release, covenant not to sue, discharge, and hold harmless UTBC, its officers, directors, managers, officials, trustees, agents, employees, volunteers, and representatives, of and from the Claims, including all liabilities, claims, actions, damages, costs or expenses of any kind arising out of or relating thereto. You understand and agree that this Release includes any Claims based on the actions, omissions, or negligence of UTBC, its officers, directors, managers, officials, trustees, agents, employees, volunteers and representatives, whether a COVID-19 infection occurs before, during, or after participation in any UTBC-sponsored or UTBC-hosted ministry, program, activity or event. It is your express intent that this Release shall bind the members of your family, your heirs, assigns and personal representatives
4. Other. You expressly agree that this Release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the laws of the District of Columbia and that this Release shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the District of Columbia. You agree that in the event that any clause or provision of this Release is deemed invalid, the enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Release shall not be affected. You further understand and expressly agree that your digital or electronic signature is as valid as its written
equivalent.
By your written or digital signature below you represent that you have carefully read the foregoing, and that you understand that you may be giving up important legal rights, to include the right to sue. Your written or digital signature below also represents your voluntary acceptance of and consent to all of the terms set forth in this Release.