Local church leaders will decide whether worshippers should wear masks, along with any other COVID-19 precautions to take at meetings, the governing First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Friday.
“We are grateful that the Lord has heard the prayers of so many and provided the direction that has allowed us to navigate the global COVID-19 pandemic which, in some areas of the world, continues,” church President Russell M. Nelson and his counselors wrote in a letter sent to lay leaders worldwide in the 16.6 million-member faith, noting that governments have begun to “modify the requirements for travel, masks and other protective measures.”
The letter directed area presidencies to consult with stake (regional) leaders and weigh the guidance of local health and government officials in determining whether face coverings should be worn or other measures taken at church activities.
The decision comes as Utah closes many of its COVID-19 test sites and discontinues daily data releases about the virus’s spread, while the state’s surge from the omicron variant subsides.
Masks will still be required in Latter-day Saint temples for now, Nelson and counselors Dallin H. Oaks and Henry B. Eyring stated, since many attendees are “part of an elderly, more vulnerable population,” and the church desires to keep temples open with as many attendees as possible.
