The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has been declared a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization. COVID-19 is extremely contagious and is believed to spread mainly from person-to-person contact. As a result, federal, state, and local governments and federal and state health agencies recommend social distancing and have, in many locations, prohibited the congregation of groups of people.

While COVID-19 can cause mild symptoms in some individuals, it can lead to severe illness and even death in others. Adults over age 65 and people of any age with serious underlying medical conditions including, but not limited to, HIV, asthma and other respiratory conditions, and pregnancy, may be a higher risk for more serious complications from COVID-19.

The MEF cannot guarantee that you will not become infected with COVID-19. Further, participating in the MEF Gala 2022 and interacting with other participants could increase your risk of contracting COVID-19.

By signing this agreement, I acknowledge the contagious nature of COVID-19 and voluntarily assume the risk I may be exposed to or infected by COVID-19 by participating in volunteer activities and that such exposure or infection may result in personal injury, illness, permanent disability, and death.

I understand that the risk of becoming exposed to or infected by COVID-19 by participating in the MEF Gala 2022 may result from the actions, omissions, or negligence of myself and others, including, but not limited to, MEF Gala volunteers, vendors, and attendees.  

I voluntarily agree to assume all of the foregoing risks and accept sole responsibility for any injury to myself (including, but not limited to, personal injury, disability, and death), illness, damage, loss, claim, liability, or expense, of any kind, that I may experience or incur in connection with my participation in the MEF Gala 2022.

On my behalf, I hereby release, covenant not to sue, discharge, and hold harmless the MEF, its 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. I understand and agree that this release includes any Claims based on the actions, omissions, or negligence of the MEF, its volunteers and representatives, whether a COVID-19 infection occurs before, during, or after participation in the MEF Gala 2022.

This assumption of risk and waiver of liability extends to any minor participating in the MEF Gala child care services provided on the premises.