Elder Dale Renlund becomes 2nd Latter-day Saint apostle to get COVID-19
Dec 5, 2020, 5:51 PM | Updated: 6:00 pm
Elder Dale Renlund, along with his wife Sister Ruth Renlund, both tested positive for the coronavirus, church officials announced in a statement Saturday. (Photo courtesy The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
(Photo courtesy The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
SALT LAKE CITY — Elder Dale Renlund, along with his wife Sister Ruth Renlund, tested positive for the coronavirus, church officials announced in a statement Saturday. Elder Renlund is the second apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to be diagnosed with COVID-19.
Elder Renlund is said to have “mild symptoms,” according to church officials, while Sister Renlund is asymptomatic. The two will be monitored for symptoms over the coming days.
Other church leaders are being tested for the virus as a precaution and the church “is following all appropriate health protocols for contact tracing and will continue to follow health guidelines for this virus,” according to the statement.
“We continue to encourage all to take steps to protect themselves and one another during this pandemic, including wearing masks, frequently washing hands, and social distancing,” said church spokesman Eric Hawkins.
Elder Renlund, 68, is the second apostle to test positive for COVID-19, after Elder Gerrit Gong and Sister Susan Gong were diagnosed in early October. Both recovered and Elder Gong was present for the Taylorsville Utah Temple groundbreaking Oct. 31.
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How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus
COVID-19 coronavirus spreads person to person, similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:
- Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
- Don’t touch your face.
- Wear a mask to protect yourself and others per CDC recommendations.
- Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet).
- If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities).
- Get a flu shot.
Local resources
Utah’s Coronavirus Information
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707
National Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Commonly asked questions, World Health Organization
