By registering for the VHMA 2021 Annual Meeting and Conference, I am acknowledging that I understand the highly contagious nature of Coronavirus/COVID-19, and that current medical knowledge of the virus, including its transmissibility and risk remains uncertain, particularly in light of evolving variants of the virus.  Currently, there exists no cure for the virus, and that certain medical conditions may be at high risk for the disease.    

I also understand that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as many other public health authorities, continue to recommend practicing social distancing, frequent hand washing, and the wearing of masks under certain circumstances, even for persons who may have been vaccinated for the virus. 

Although the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) and Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown hotel may have in place preventative measures based on current CDC and governmental guidance in order to reduce the possible spread of Coronavirus/COVID-19 at the VHMA’s 2021 Annual Meeting and Conference, I understand and acknowledge that neither VHMA nor the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown hotel is able to guarantee that these preventative measures will prevent the transmission of the virus, infection and/or illness. 

I further acknowledge and understand that VHMA cannot guarantee that I will not become infected with the Coronavirus/COVID-19 while attending the VHMA’s 2021 Annual Meeting and Conference. Nor, given the state of current knowledge regarding the virus, is it possible to eliminate all risk of transmission and the potential health consequences of such exposure.  I also understand that the risk of becoming exposed to and/or infected by the Coronavirus/COVID-19 may result from the actions, omissions or negligence of myself and others, including, but not limited to on-site contractors, venue staff and guests, other meeting attendees, and their families, as well as members of the general public who I may come in contact with while traveling to and from, and while attending the VHMA’s 2021 Annual Meeting and Conference.

ASSUMPTION OF RISK:  I have read and understand the above risks and warnings concerning COVID-19 and I nevertheless expressly assume all of the aforementioned risks including the risk of being exposed to, contracting, and/or spreading COVID-19, in order to be able to attend and participate in person at the VHMA’s 2021 Annual Meeting and Conference at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown hotel on September 9-11, 2021.  I also understand that while alternative attendance arrangements such as virtual participation may be available, and I expressly choose to participate in person with a full understanding of the risks of doing so.  Furthermore, I understand that VHMA may immediately remove or prohibit me from in person activities at the VHMA’s 2021 Annual Meeting and Conference if I exhibit symptoms associated with COVID-19, or if I fail to comply with any safety procedures stipulated by VHMA or the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown hotel.

By signing this Notice and Release, I voluntarily assume all of the aforementioned risks including, without limitation, any exposure to, or infection by, COVID-19, and hereby release and agree to hold VHMA harmless from, and waive on behalf of myself, my heirs, and any personal representatives, any and all causes of action, claims, demands, damages, costs, expenses and compensation for damage or loss to myself and/or property that may be caused by any act, or failure to act of VHMA.  Furthermore, by this Notice and Release, I intend to discharge VHMA, its officers, directors, employees, volunteers, representatives and contractors, from any liability or claim that I, my heirs, or any personal representatives may have against any of them with respect to any bodily injury, illness, death, medical treatment or property damage that may arise from, or in connection to my participation in the [Conference]. 

NOTICE TO ALL ATTENDEES OF THE VHMA 2021 ANNUAL MEETING AND CONFERENCE

As a condition of your admission to all VHMA sponsored or supported events, you will be required to provide upon request on the date of, or immediately prior to, your arrival at the conference, the following attestation:

1.      I am not currently experiencing any symptom of illness such as cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell.

2.      I have not traveled internationally within the last fourteen (14) days.

3.      I do not come from nor have I traveled through or to a highly impacted area within the United States of America in the last fourteen (14) days.

4.      To my best knowledge, I have not been exposed to someone with a suspected and/or confirmed case of the Coronavirus/COVID-19.

5.      I have not been diagnosed with Coronavirus/COVID19 within the last fourteen (14) days.

6.      I am following all CDC recommended guidelines as much as possible and limiting any exposure to the Coronavirus/COVID-19.

7.      I will follow all safety protocols established by VHMA and the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown hotel for individuals attending the meeting, and/or visiting the hotel.

Failure to provide the required attestation at the time of arrival may result in your exclusion from VHMA events during the VHMA’s 2021 Annual Meeting and Conference. A notice will be sent to all event registrants prior to the first day of the event with the above form.  You may submit your attestation electronically or in person, on the first day of the event.