Liability Waiver
Release and Waiver of Liability Relating to Coronavirus/COVID-19
The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has been declared a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization. COVID-19 is extremely contagious. The state of medical knowledge concerning COVID-19 is evolving, but the virus is believed to spread from person-to-person contact, contact with contaminated surfaces, and through the air. People can be infected and show no symptoms but still spread the disease. There is no known treatment, cure or vaccine for Covid-19. COVID-19 can cause serious and potentially life-threatening illness and event death.
You have elected to participate in a field trip organized by Chicago Ornithological Society (COS) despite the risks of doing so. You hereby confirm that you are not sick. You understand that you must (i)wear a mask covering your mouth and nose during the entire field trip, (ii) remain socially distant at 6 feet from others, and (iii) not share binoculars or other equipment.
COS cannot prevent you from being exposed to, contracting or spreading COVID-19 while on its field trip. By choosing to participate in COS’s field trip, you acknowledge that you may be exposing yourself to and increasing your risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19.
ASSUMPTION OF RISK: I have read and understand the above warnings concerning COVID-19. I choose to accept the risk of being exposed to, contracting and/or spreading COVID-19 in order to participate in the COS field trip.
RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY: I hereby release COS and its officers, directors and volunteers from any liability and waive any claim I may have against any one or more of them arising in connection with exposure, infection and/or spread of COVID-19 related to the COS field trip. I understand that this release and waiver means that I give up any right I may otherwise have to bring any claim against any of them for personal injuries, disease, death, medical expenses or any other loss or damage, including any claims of negligence, whether or not such claims are known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen.
Sign-In Sheet & Acknowledgment of Outing Member Responsibility, Express Assumption of Risk, and Release of Liability:
I understand that during my participation in this Chicago Ornithological Society Outing, I may be exposed to a variety of hazards and risks, foreseen or unforeseen, which are inherent in each Outing and cannot be eliminated without destroying the unique character of the Outing. These inherent risks include, but are not limited to, the dangers of serious personal injury, property damage, and death (“Injuries and Damages”) from exposure to the hazards of travel and the Chicago Ornithological Society has not tried to contradict or minimize my understanding of these risks. I know that Injuries and Damages can occur by natural causes or activities of other persons, animals, trip members, trip leaders and assistants or third parties, either as a result of negligence or because of other reasons. I understand that risks of such Injuries and Damages are involved in adventure travel such as Chicago Ornithological Society Outings and I appreciate that I may have to exercise extra care for my own person and for others around me in the face of such hazards. I further understand that on this Outing there may not be rescue or medical facilities or expertise necessary to deal with the Injuries and Damages to which I may be exposed.
In consideration for my acceptance as a participant on this Outing, and the services and amenities to be provided by the Chicago Ornithological Society in connection with the Outing, I confirm my understanding that:
1. I have read any rules and conditions applicable to the Outing made available to me; I will pay any costs and fees for the Outing; and I acknowledge my participation is at the discretion of the leader.
2.The Outing officially begins and ends at the location(s) designated by the Chicago Ornithological Society. The Outing does not include carpooling, transportation, or transit to and from the Outing, and I am personally responsible for all risks associated with this travel. This does not apply to transportation provided by the Chicago Ornithological Society during the Outing.
3. If I decide to leave early and not to complete the Outing as planned, I assume all risks inherent in my decision to leave and waive all liability against the Chicago Ornithological Society arising from that decision. Likewise, if the leader has concluded the Outing, and I decide to go forward without the leader, I assume all risks inherent in my decision to go forward and waive all liability against the Chicago Ornithological Society arising from that decision.
4. This Agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by law. If any provision or any part of any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or legally unenforceable for any reason, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby and shall remain valid and fully enforceable.
5. To the fullest extent allowed by law, I agree to WAIVE, DISCHARGE CLAIMS, AND RELEASE FROM LIABILITY the Chicago Ornithological Society, its officers, directors, agents, and leaders from any and all liability on account of, or in any way resulting from Injuries and Damages, even if caused by negligence of the Chicago Ornithological Society its officers, directors, agents, and leaders, in any way connected with this Outing.
I further agree to HOLD HARMLESS the Chicago Ornithological Society, its officers, directors, agents, and leaders from any claims, damages, injuries or losses caused by my own negligence while a participant on the outing. I understand and intend that this assumption of risk and release is binding upon my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, and includes any minors accompanying me on the Outing.
