Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability Relating to Coronavirus/COVID-19 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands’ priority is always our Littles’ health and safety and that of their families, our Bigs, and our staff.  Our agency understands the dynamic nature of this virus can lead to frequent changes in our processes, recommendations and communications.  As we continue to actively and proactively review policies and monitor the presence of COVID-19 in our community, we feel it best to adjust our recommendations for outings.  
  
Douglas County Health Department reminds everyone to avoid the Three C’s.  With COVID-19 continuing to spread in the county and colder weather driving people indoors, it is important to avoid: 
1. Crowded places – Don’t go to gatherings where you can’t keep six feet between yourself and others. 
2. Close contact – Wear a mask and stay 6 feet away from people you don’t live with. 
3. Confined spaces – Small spaces with poor ventilation increase the risk of infection. 

Additionally, limit time around others to 15 minutes or less, wear your mask over your nose and mouth, and wash your hands often to decrease the risk of getting COVID-19 or unknowingly spreading it to others.

CDC tips for how to protect yourself and others and be found here.

BBBSM presents the following guidelines and recommendations that align with the CDC and local health directives:

Bigs may not transport or have their Little in their car for more than 15 minutes. Instead, the Big may visit the Little’s home, plan an activity within 15 minutes from the Little’s home, or the parent/guardian can transport the Little to and from an agreed-upon location.  The location must allow for social distancing.  Bigs and Littles must wear a mask at all times and practice proper hygiene.
  
On the day of a scheduled match activity, the Big and Little’s parent or guardian must confirm that they and/or the Little: 
• Has not had a temperature above 100.4 in the past 3 days
• Has not had any of the following in the past 10 days
- Cough
- Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
- Tiredness
- A sudden loss of smell or taste
- Chills and/or body aches
- Nausea or diarrhea
- Positive test for COVID-19
- Contact with a person suffering from any of the above
- Contact with a person who has tested positive or has been told to quarantine

If you answer yes to any of the above, you may not meet with your Big/Little in person.

All in-person outings are completely voluntary.  All Littles, Bigs, and families should use their discretion when considering scheduling an in-person outing. Bigs are required to bring an extra mask and hand sanitizer to the outing.  Virtual communication is the preferred option for communication.  If you need support planning virtual activities, please reach out to your Match Support Specialist for assistance and ideas.
  
The agency reserves the right to terminate matches if these guidelines are not followed.

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. 


Should you choose to participate or allow your child to participate in in-person match activities, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands (BBBSM) cannot guarantee that you or your child will not become infected with COVID-19. Further, contact between match parties could increase the risk of contracting COVID-19. 


By signing this agreement, I acknowledge the contagious nature of COVID-19 and voluntarily assume the risk that I or my child may be exposed to or infected by COVID-19 by participating in in-person match 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 may result from the actions, omissions, or negligence of myself and others, including, but not limited to, BBBSM employees, volunteers, and program participants and their families. I voluntarily agree to assume all of the foregoing risks and accept sole responsibility for any injury to myself or my child (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 BBBSM program activities. The decision to re-engage in in-person meetings is my decision, not the decision of BBBSM.


I hereby release, covenant not to sue, discharge, and hold harmless BBBSM, its employees, agents, board members, and representatives, from any and all claims, including all liabilities, 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 BBBSM, its employees, agents, and representatives, whether a COVID-19 infection occurs before, during, or after participation in any BBBSM program. I further understand that this is a full and final release and waiver of all my claims for damages or injuries sustained as a result of my participation in an in-person meeting or match activity and that I am voluntarily signing this knowing that I am releasing and forever discharging BBBSM of all liability for any losses and damages which I may sustain.






By clicking submit, you acknowledge and will adhere to the information that BBBSM has presented above.

After submitting this document, you will be redirected to another page where you will complete an e-signature. To verify this signature, an email will be sent to your primary email address with a link to do so.

Contact Information