In consideration of being permitted by the Vision Sciences Society (“VSS”) to attend VSS 2022 (“Meeting”) at the TradeWinds Island Resorts (“TradeWinds”), you agree to the terms and conditions stated in this COVID-19 Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk (“Release”).

I acknowledge and agree to the following:

1. I am aware of the contagious nature of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (“COVID-19”), and the risk that I may be exposed to, or contract COVID-19 by traveling to and from, and participating in, the Meeting and otherwise being at TradeWinds. I understand and acknowledge that such exposure or infection may result in illness, personal injury, psychological injury, pain, suffering, temporary or permanent disability, death, and/or financial loss. I understand VSS cannot guarantee I will not become infected with COVID-19 or other infectious disease while at TradeWinds or the Meeting, and that being at TradeWinds or the Meeting may increase my risk of contracting COVID-19. NOTWITHSTANDING THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH COVID-19, I ACKNOWLEDGE I AM VOLUNTARILY APPEARING AT TRADEWINDS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MEETING WITH KNOWLEDGE OF THE DANGER INVOLVED. I HEREBY ACCEPT AND ASSUME ALL RISKS OF ILLNESS, PERSONAL INJURY, PSYCHOLOGICAL INJURY, PAIN, SUFFERING, DISABILITY, DEATH, AND/OR FINANCIAL LOSS RELATED TO COVID-19, ARISING FROM MY BEING AT TRADEWINDS OR THE MEETING, WHETHER CAUSED BY THE ORDINARY NEGLIGENCE OF VSS OR OTHERWISE.
2. I hereby expressly waive and release any and all claims, now known or hereafter known, against VSS, and its officers, directors, employees, volunteers, contractors, agents, affiliates, representatives, members, successors, and assigns (collectively, “Releasees”), on account of personal or psychological injury, illness, pain, suffering, disability, death, or financial loss arising out of or attributable to my being at TradeWinds or the Meeting and being exposed to or contracting COVID-19, whether arising out of the ordinary negligence of VSS or any Releasees or otherwise. I covenant not to make or bring any such claim against VSS or any other Releasee, and forever release and discharge VSS and all other Releasees from liability under such claims. This Release does not extend to claims for gross negligence, willful or wanton misconduct, or any other liabilities that Florida law does not permit to be released by agreement.
3. I am familiar with federal, state, and local guidelines related to COVID-19, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) guidance on COVID-19. I agree to participate in and abide by all safety protocols implemented onsite by VSS and TradeWinds. This includes but is not limited to wearing masks in indoor public spaces, practicing social distancing, providing proof of either full vaccination or a negative PCR test result from within forty-eight hours prior to the Meeting’s first day (at my expense), as a condition of being permitted to attend the Meeting. I ACKNOWLEDGE IF I DO NOT PRESENT THE DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED BY VSS, OR, OTHERWISE, CANNOT OR DO NOT SATISFY THE SAFETY PROTOCOLS, I WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO ENTER TRADEWINDS OR ATTEND THE MEETING.
4. I agree to not attend the Meeting if I am experiencing or exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms as outlined by the CDC.
5. I agree not to attend the Meeting if I have had recent close contact with a person who tested positive, or if I experienced any symptoms associated with COVID-19 within the 10 days prior to the Meeting.
6. I understand that while VSS desires for the Meeting to be safe, VSS does not have control over cleaning protocols, air filtration systems, etc. at TradeWinds.
7. VSS reserves the right to modify the conditions upon which attendees are permitted to attend the Meeting consistent with applicable law and public health guidelines.
8. This Release, along with the terms of the Meeting registration materials, constitute the entire agreement of VSS and me regarding the subject matter contained in this Release and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous understandings, agreements, representations, and warranties, both written and oral, with respect to such subject matter. If any term or provision of this Release is invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any other term or provision of this Release or invalidate or render unenforceable such term or provision in any other jurisdiction. This Release is binding on and shall inure to the benefit of VSS and me and our respective successors and assigns. All matters arising out of or relating to this Release shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Florida without giving effect to any conflict of law rule.

By registering for VSS 2022, you agree to adhere to any and all COVID-19 protocols implemented by the Vision Sciences Society, the Tradewinds Island Resorts or any third-party organizations providing services at the annual meeting.

I acknowledge and agree to the following:

• I agree to participate in and abide by all safety protocols implemented onsite by the Vision Sciences Society. This includes but is not limited to wearing masks in indoor public spaces, practicing social distancing, providing proof of a vaccination and/or negative PCR test results (at attendee expense).
• I agree to not attend the meeting if I am experiencing or exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms as outlined by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• I agree not to attend if I have recently had close contact with a person who has tested positive.
• I understand that while VSS will make every effort to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission onsite, VSS does not have control over cleaning protocols, air filtration systems, etc. at the Tradewinds Island Resorts.
• I acknowledge that there is risk involved in travel, and it is possible that I will come in contact with people in airports and around the hotel property who could potentially carry the virus.
• VSS reserves the right to modify the conditions upon which attendees are permitted at VSS 2022 consistent with applicable law and public health guidelines.

Updated: 1/27/22

The health and safety of our attendees, staff, exhibitors and the local community is our top priority. These are the steps we’re taking to ensure your safety at this year’s in-person meeting:

Vaccination and Testing Requirements

All in-person VSS attendees are required to show either proof of vaccination or negative PCR test results to attend the VSS meeting.

• Vaccination option – Attendees must be fully vaccinated as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO). Attendees will be expected to upload proof of vaccination (details will be available soon).
• Testing option – Attendees will be required to provide negative PCR test results. PCR test must have been taken within 3 days prior to arrival at the meeting. Attendees will be expected to upload proof of negative test results (details will be available soon).

Attendees not complying with the above will be denied entrance to the meeting and forfeit their registration. 

Mask Requirements

• At the time of this writing, VSS will require all attendees and Tradewinds staff to wear masks indoors, except when presenting talks or actively eating or drinking. N95 and KN95 masks are highly recommended. Masks should fit snugly and completely cover your mouth and nose.
• A limited supply of surgical masks will be available at the VSS registration desk.

Onsite Safety and Cleaning

• The Tradewinds has instituted enhanced cleaning process including the use of Electrostatic Spraying Technology which uses the highest classification of disinfectants and sprays entire areas including guest rooms, meeting space, lobby, fitness centers and dining venues.
• Hand sanitizer dispensers will also continue to be accessible at key guest entrances and at all meeting and event locations.
• Staff will sanitize all shared equipment and meeting amenities before and after each use. This includes wiping down podiums, microphones, and PowerPoint clickers between all speakers.
• Frequent cleaning and disinfecting will be performed on commonly touched surfaces and in high-traffic areas.
• VSS will make use of outdoor event space where possible.

Attendee Responsibilities

Attendees are asked to self-monitor daily for symptoms and not enter shared spaces if they are exhibiting any symptoms or signs of illness.

VSS reserves the right to modify the conditions upon which attendees are permitted to attend VSS 2022 consistent with applicable law and public health guidelines.