SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Area Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced new restrictions Thursday for in-person services due to the rise in COVID-19 cases.
While Gov. Herbert's recent Executive Order does not cover religious services, the Church decided to make adjustments on its own to ensure the safety of its members.
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Local Church leaders will be asked to implement the following adjustments:
- Temporarily suspend in-person second-hour meetings in young single adult (YSA) wards and stakes. These can be held virtually.
- Limit in-person youth gatherings to activities with a religious purpose.
- Limit in-person attendance at baptisms, funerals, weddings and receptions to immediate family and those who officiate. All others can participate virtually.
- Hold stake and ward council meetings, coordination meetings and other large leadership meetings via technology.
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The Church had previously reduced the number of in-person participants in Sunday services to 99 people or less.
Local leaders are also being asked to make sure those attending meetings do not congregate in groups before or after they begin.