First Presidency asks all temple patrons and workers to wear masks amid delta surge

The Utah Department of Health reported the most COVID-19 deaths in a single day on Tuesday since January 5. Photo: Noah

SALT LAKE CITY — In a letter to Church leaders around the world, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said “effective immediately, all temple patrons and workers are asked to wear face masks at all times while in the temple.”

The heightened conditions reflect the recent COVID-19 surge. On Tuesday, the Utah Department of Health reported the most deaths in a single day since January 5.

“Our desire is to keep temples open,” the letter said. “These safety protocols are temporary, based on COVID-19 conditions, and will be rescinded as soon as circumstances permit.”

“Our urging Church members to be vaccinated and to protect themselves and others from the spread of disease has precedent. Prior First Presidencies shared similar messages in 1900 about smallpox and in 1957 regarding polio.”