Missionaries To Be Pulled From Hong Kong Due To Coronavirus Concerns
Feb 4, 2020, 7:55 PM | Updated: Feb 21, 2020, 3:15 pm
HONG KONG, CHINA - JANUARY 23: Pedestrians wear face masks as they walk through a crosswalk in Causeway Bay district on January 23, 2020 in Hong Kong, China. Hong Kong reported its first two cases of Wuhan coronavirus infections as the number of those who have died from the virus in China climbed to seventeen on Wednesday and cases have been reported in other countries including the United States,Thailand, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea. (Photo by Anthony Kwan/Getty Images)
(Photo by Anthony Kwan/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Over 100 missionaries serving in the China Hong Kong Mission will be reassigned or end their missionary service early due to concerns over the new coronavirus that has sickened thousands and killed at least 490 people in China.
Officials with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Tuesday that 113 missionaries would be transferred out of the country over the next few days. No missionaries were reported sick. The move was made as a precaution.
Twelve additional missionaries, who are from Hong Kong, will return to their homes and be released from service until the situation has stabilized, officials said.
“It is important to note that for several days prior to leaving Hong Kong, all missionaries have rigorously followed preventative health practices to avoid illness including remaining in their apartments as much as possible, not engaging in teaching, wearing masks, and frequently washing their hands,” officials said. “Therefore, the likelihood of any of these missionaries having contracted the coronavirus is very low. Additionally, each missionary is required to show no symptoms before leaving Hong Kong.”
Most missionaries will return home and follow guidelines from the World Health Organization to self-isolate for 14 days. Church officials said where required, missionaries will undergo government-mandated quarantine based on guidelines from their home countries.
Missionaries will be allowed to depart for their new temporary assignments if they continue to show no signs of coronavirus after the 14-day quarantines.
Church officials also said they are working to support members, employees and other Church personnel in Hong Kong and other areas where the coronavirus is a concern.
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