South DSM News

Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints issued the following announcement on October 26.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is following the lead of governments and healthcare professionals around the world as it considers a measured return to normal operating procedures disrupted by COVID-19.

The Church is moving forward in all areas of the world with ample caution, always strictly following the guidance of governments to prevent the spread of the pandemic. “Your safety and well-being will always be our utmost concern,” Church Prophet and President Russell M. Nelson said on May 6, 2020.

Which Church functions have begun phases of reopening?

• Church Distribution Retail Stores and Deseret Book

  See a status list for each store.

   

• Church Historic Sites (Updated April 22, 2021)

  Church historic sites began reopening in May 2021. Read more here.

   

• Deseret Industries Stores

  Stores are open and patrons can make unscheduled donations.

   

• Missionary Work (Updated June 23, 2021)

  The Provo Missionary Training Center (MTC) resumed in-person training on June 23, 2021. MTCs in the Philippines, Mexico and England are also in the process of preparing to train missionaries in person, beginning in late July and August and others will follow as local conditions improve.

  Other missionary news:

  Missionary Travel Guidelines (May 2020)

  Church Begins Limited, Deliberate and Cautious Missionary Assignments Outside Countries of Origin (November 2020)

• Temple Square (Updated June 8, 2021)

  The Conference Center reopened in June 2021. See more details.

   

• Temples (Updated October 26, 2021)

  A phased reopening of temples began in May 2020. See a week-by-week list here.

   

• Weekly Worship and Activities

  In May 2020, the Church authorized a phased return to some aspects of its weekly worship services and activities. As of September 11, 2020, the First Presidency has provided updated guidelines to help leaders and members safely increase engagement in worship and other activities during the pandemic. This includes guidance on the resumption of stake conferences and weekly worship.

And which Church operations are still temporarily paused, postponed, or closed to the public?

• Church Educational System (large gatherings paused)
• Pageants (2021 pageants canceled)
• Perpetual Education Fund loan payments and interest charges are being deferred until April 1, 2021.
• The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square (2020 Heritage Tour has been rescheduled; Weekly broadcasts are closed to the public; 2020 Christmas concert and auditions are canceled)
• Youth Camps, Conferences and Treks (see here and here)

You can find answers to other questions in the documents “Responding to COVID-19: Answers to Questions” and “Directions for Essential Ordinances, Blessings, and other Church Functions.”

Preventative Measures for Members*

• Regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water or clean them with an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick (this may include avoiding shaking hands or other customary greetings).
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Maintain at least six feet (two meters) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow public health agency recommendations for using a face mask.

*Based on recommendations from the World Health Organization and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Local leaders should encourage members to follow these guidelines.

Original source can be found here.