The top leadership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ordered mandatory use of face masks in its temples around the globe to fight Covid-19 and again called for members to get vaccinated, citing church history in prior pandemics.
Cases in the church’s home state of Utah and neighboring states, including Idaho are on the rise again and hospital capacity is stretched but the order is international.
In a statement issued in Salt Lake City, leaders say their desire is to keep temples open. They also say effective immediately, all temple patrons and workers are asked to wear face masks at all times while in the temple.
The church leaders are also urging church members to be vaccinated and to protect themselves and others from the spread of disease.
