Covid 19 Volunteer Liability Waiver

Dear Volunteer:

The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has been declared a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization. As a result, federal, state, and local governments and agencies recommend social distancing and have, in many locations, prohibited the congregation of groups of people. We are doing everything we can to be compliant with all regulations and ensure your safety. We have put in place preventative measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but we cannot guarantee that you or family members will not become infected with COVID-19.

COVID-19 POLICIES FOR IN PERSON PROGRAMS

The Open Door NJNY’s first priority is the safety of volunteers and participants.  We are asking that all volunteers and students be fully vaccinated and show proof of vaccination in order to participate in our in-person programs.  In addition, we ask that all participants wear a mask even if fully vaccinated to further prevent the spread of infection.  Please let us know if, on your scheduled day to volunteer, you experience symptoms of COVID-19 including, but not limited to:

  • -temperature of above 100.4

  • -cough

  • -shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

  • -fatigue 

  • -sudden loss of smell or taste

  • -fever or chills 

  • -muscle or body aches

  • -nausea or vomiting 

  • -diarrhea

  • -positive test for COVID-19

  • -headache

  • -new loss of taste or smell

  • -sore throat

  • -congestion or runny nose

ASSUMPTION OF RISK 

I acknowledge that I have voluntarily signed up to serve at The Open Door NJNY. I understand that the scope of my volunteer relationship with The Open Door NJNY is limited to a volunteer position and that no compensation is expected in return for services provided by me; that The Open Door NJNY will not provide any benefits traditionally associated with employment; and that I am responsible for my own insurance coverage in the event of illness or personal injury as a result of my service to The Open Door NJNY.

By signing this agreement, 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 in-person program activities and that such exposure may result in personal injury, illness, permanent disability, and death.  

I understand that the risk of being exposed to or infected by COVID-19 may result from the actions, omissions, or negligence of myself and others, including, but not limited to, The Open Door NJNY employees, volunteers, and program participants and their families.  

I hereby assume the risk of bodily injury, illness, medical treatment and property damage resulting from my volunteer activities, even if resulting from the negligence, active or passive, of The Open Door NJNY or its officers, directors, affiliates, employees or agents.  The decision to engage in in-person activities is my decision, not the decision of The Open Door NJNY.

RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY 

I hereby release, covenant not to sue, and discharge and hold harmless The Open Door NJNY from any and all liabilities, causes of action, claims, demands, damages, costs, expenses and compensation for damage or loss to myself and / or property that may be caused by an act, or failure to act of The Open Door NJNY, or that may otherwise arise in any way in connection with any voluntary activities with, or for, The Open Door NJNY.  

I understand that this release discharges The Open Door NJNY from any liability or claim that I or my heirs, personal representatives or minors I am responsible for may have against The Open Door NJNY with respect to any bodily injury, illness, medical treatment that may arise from, or in connection with, my volunteer activities, whether a COVID-19 infection occurs before, during, or after participation in any programs of The Open Door NJNY.  This liability waiver and release extends to The Open Door NJNY together with all of its officers, directors, affiliates, employees and agents.

I further expressly agree that the foregoing assumption of risk, release and waiver of liability is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by the laws of the state of New Jersey and that if any portion thereof is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect. I agree that this release will be governed by New Jersey law and that the exclusive venue for any dispute arising from this release will be a court of competent jurisdiction sitting in Hudson County, New Jersey.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND UNDERSTANDING

I have carefully read and voluntarily sign this assumption of risk and release and waiver of liability, and further agree that no oral representations, statements or inducement apart from the foregoing written agreement have been made. I am aware that by agreeing to this agreement I am giving up valuable legal rights, including the right to recover damages from The Open Door NJNY in case of illness, injury, death or property loss or damage, including, and without limitation, exposure to COVID-19 at any facility or program and any illness, injury or death resulting therefrom.  I understand that this document is a promise not to sue and a release of and discharge of all claims. If signing on behalf of minor: I also understand that this agreement is made on behalf of my minor child(ren) and / or legal wards and I represent and warrant to the Open Door NJNY that I have full authority to sign this agreement on behalf of such minor(s).