Coronavirus precautions prompt closure of 2 temples, curtail Church missionary efforts
Feb 21, 2020, 5:26 PM | Updated: Mar 12, 2020, 9:21 am
COVID-19 is a concern for several reasons, including how it evolved. (Image credit: Shutterstock)
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
SALT LAKE CITY – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints is making changes in Asia because of the novel coronavirus. In a statement, the Church said missionaries recently moved out of the China, Hong Kong Mission are near the end of a two-week isolation, and will be temporarily reassigned.
But concerns over spread of the potentially deadly virus are prompting the church to temporarily close the Taipei, Taiwan, and Seoul, South Korea, temples. South Korea is reporting new cases, pushing the total number above 200. The church says missionaries there and in Mongolia will follow isolation practices recommended by the World Health Organization.
Missionaries in Cambodia, Singapore and Thailand are now being asked to stay in their homes, except to get groceries or supplies, to exercise or to attend worship services. In addition, the church says missionaries will be asked to stay six feet away from others.
The church says the actions are precautionary, and added that it will continue to closely monitor the situation.
Two Utahns who were traveling on cruise ships in the region have been diagnosed with coronavirus and are currently being treated.
