By registering for and attending the American Society of Human Genetics Annual Meeting and related meetings (the “Event”), I acknowledge that I will be voluntarily participating in a multi-day conference expected to have over 6,000 attendees who will come to the Event from many different locations across the U.S and abroad and will be participating in activities sponsored by the American Society of Human Genetics (“ASHG”), held on November 1-November 5, 2023 at the Washington DC Convention Center and the Washington Marriott Marquis Hotel (Headquarter Hotel) in Washington DC, U.S.A. (collectively, the “Activities”).

I am aware that the Washington DC Convention Center is a public building and that large gatherings of individuals may create environments in which communicable viruses, infections, and other public health risks are present.

I understand that these risks include the novel coronavirus, which causes the disease known as COVID-19. Although the United States ended its pandemic emergency declaration effective May 11, 2023, I understand that U.S. still has many cases of COVID-19 resulting in hospitalization or death. I understand that, as of April 6, 2023, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (“CDC”) urges all adults to be up-to-date on vaccinations against the novel coronavirus, including by receiving an updated bivalent vaccine dose, and that vaccination can confer substantial protections against COVID-19 infection and can reduce the likelihood of serious complications from COVID-19 but does not provide 100% immunity against COVID-19. I understand that ASHG will strongly encourage adherence to guidance from the CDC and other appropriate public health organizations but will not be screening attendees nor requiring vaccination when entering the Washington DC Convention Center. I agree to review and comply with the CDC’s guidance regarding relevant COVID testing and appropriate quarantine and isolation in the event that I have symptoms of COVID-19, test positive for COVID-19, or have been in recent close contact with a known case of COVID-19. While participating in the Activities, I agree that I will abide by any health and safety protocols ASHG requires for the Activities, including my commitment that I will not participate in the Activities for five days after first testing positive for COVID-19 or of experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 that were confirmed by a positive test.

I am aware that even diligent efforts to follow public health guidance and orders cannot guarantee that participants in the Activities will not contract the virus that causes COVID-19, the flu, or other infectious diseases, and that my participation in the Activities or travel to and from the Event may expose me to and result in infection with the novel coronavirus or other transmittable conditions.

ASSUMPTION OF RISK: I have read and understood the above warning regarding communicable viruses or other infectious disease, including COVID19.  I hereby choose to accept the associated risks for myself and determine that the value of attending the Event is such that I accept the risk(s) in order to attend the Event in person.

WAIVER OF LAWSUIT/LIABILITY:  As consideration for being permitted by ASHG to participate in the Activities and attend the Event, I forever release ASHG and its board members, employees, volunteers, agents, attorneys, contractors, and representatives (collectively “Releasees”) from any and all liabilities, causes of action, lawsuits, claims, demands, or damages of any kind whatsoever that I, my assignees, heirs, guardians, next of kin, spouse and legal representatives now have, or may have in the future, for bodily injury, death, or property damage, related to (i) my participation in the Activities or presence at the Event, (ii) the negligence or other acts of any Releasee, whether directly connected to the Activities or not, and however caused, and (iii) the condition of the Event.  This release includes, without limitation, any claims in connection with any exposure, infection, and/or spread of COVID-19 or other communicable diseases related to attendance at the Event.  I understand that this waiver means I give up my right to bring any claims including but not limited for personal injuries, death, disease or property losses, or any other loss, including but not limited to claims of negligence and give up any claim I may have to seek damages, whether known or unknown, foreseen, or unforeseen.

I AM VOLUNTARILY PARTICIPATING IN THESE ACTIVITIES WITH KNOWLEDGE OF THE DANGER INVOLVED AND AGREE TO ASSUME ANY AND ALL RISKS OF BODILY INJURY, DEATH, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE WHETHER THOSE RISKS ARE KNOWN OR UNKNOWN. I HAVE CAREFULLY READ AND FULLY UNDERSTAND ALL PROVISIONS OF THIS RELEASE, AND FREELY AND KNOWINGLY ASSUME THE RISK AND WAIVE MY RIGHTS CONCERNING LIABILITY AS DESCRIBED ABOVE.