Assumption of the Risk 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 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.

Towson United Methodist Church, Inc. (TUMC) has put in place preventative measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19; however, we cannot guarantee that you will not become infected with COVID-19. Further, your participation in the church program could increase your risk of contracting COVID-19.

By checking in and/or participating in worship, I acknowledge the contagious nature of COVID-19 and voluntarily assume the risk that I may be exposed to or infected by COVID-19 by participating in the TUMC program 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 may result from the actions, omissions or negligence of myself and others, including, but not limited to, TUMC and their employees, agents, representatives and volunteers, and church program participants and their families.

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 Towson United Methodist programming (“Claims”). On my behalf, I hereby release, covenant not to sue, discharge and hold harmless the TUMC and their employees, agents, representatives and volunteers, 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 TUMC and their employees, agents, representatives and volunteers, whether a COVID-19 infection occurs before, during or after participation in any church program.

Further, I certify that I, and any family members attending with me, do not fall into any of the following categories:

1. Individuals who currently or within the past fourteen (14) days have experienced any symptoms associated with COVID-19, which include fever, cough, and shortness of breath among others;

2. Individuals who have traveled at any point in the past fourteen (14) days either internationally or to a community in the U.S. that has experienced or is experiencing sustained community spread of COVID-19; or

3. Individuals who believe that they may have been exposed to a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 or have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and are not yet cleared as non-contagious by state or local public health authorities or the health care team responsible for their treatment.

Locations: Towson United Methodist Church