SALT LAKE CITY — In a letter sent to church leaders Wednesday, officials from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints updated COVID-19 procedures for Utah.
The update asks leaders to continue to broadcast church services for those who choose to participate at home. The second hour of services should be held completely virtually, "unless specific exceptions can be made safely," the letter reads.
The Church continues to encourage technology for leadership and other meetings but says presidency, bishopric and council meetings can be held in person. Previously, many of these meetings were to be held via Zoom.
In the November 12 update, in person second-hour meetings for "Young Single Adult" wards were temporarily suspended. The new update says these meetings can now be held in-person if Church facilities are large enough to allow for social distancing.
Funeral Services, baptisms and wedding receptions should follow safety protocols, "with appropriate limits as to the number of people invited," according to the release.
Church activities for children and youth can still be held, as long as they have a religious purpose and the size is limited.
The letter called on leaders to consult with Area Seventy and other members in the area to "develop and implement a plan for returning to church meetings and activities" while following safety protocols such as social distancing, sanitizing surfaces, wearing masks and limiting numbers of people attending meetings in person.
