As the WordPress Community begins to transition to in-person events, organizers are wondering what legal protections are available to them related to COVID-19. Here are a couple of solutions!
Disclaimer on WordCamp Ticket Purchases
We will be adding a disclaimer to the WordCamp ticket purchase page, which will protect organizers against claims related to COVID-19. The disclaimer text will read:
An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and guests with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable.
By attending WordCamp {city} {year}, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and waive any claims against the event organizers; volunteers; sponsors; the WordPress Foundation; WordPress Community Support, PBC; and their respective affiliates.
This disclaimer will appear on the ticket purchase page for the ticket purchaser to agree to. Agreement is given by checking a box next to the disclaimer (similar to agreeing to the Code of Conduct), before completing their ticket purchase.
We are aiming to roll this update out to WordCamp sites on Wednesday, 13 October 2021.
Insurance Policy
This year, WPCS added a “communicable disease liability coverage” policy to our event insurance. This policy provides coverage to help defer any legal fees and costs related to lawsuits claiming damages due to:
- Actual or alleged transmission of a communicable disease
- An act, error, or omission by or on behalf of WPF/WPCS in:
- The supervision of any person who transmits, is infected with, and/or alleged to be infected with a communicable disease
- Testing for a communicable disease
- Actual or alleged failure to prevent the spread of a communicable disease
- Actual or alleged failure to report a communicable disease to the authorities
This policy is currently in effect and covers all official WordCamps and WordPress Chapter Meetups.
Summary
These legal protections should hopefully ease the minds of organizers concerned about planning in-person WordCamps and WordPress Meetups. Please leave a comment below if you have any concerns or questions!