Church announces masks may no longer be required in church meetings

SALT LAKE CITY— The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints outlined new COVID-19 guidelines citing ongoing changes in COVID-19 conditions in different areas of the world.

“As governments begin to modify the requirements for travel, masks, and other protective measures, we offer the following direction.”

The Church announced depending on the area masks may not be required at the discretion and decision of area authorities.

The Church stated, “We are now encouraging Area Presidencies, in consultation with stake presidencies, to determine on a local basis whether masks should be worn or other precautions should be observed in the various Church meetings and activities. In doing so, local leaders should consider the guidance of local health and government officials and local customs and conditions.”

Masks will still be required in temples for the time being, stating, “where so many who attend are part of an elderly, more vulnerable population and where our desire is to keep temples open and to have as many as possible participate.”

The Church has changed their mask guidelines several times throughout the pandemic depending on local COVID-19 conditions and case numbers. Most recently, on Aug. 12, 2021, Church members were encouraged to get vaccinated and wear masks in their general meetings as well as in the temples as a response to the rise in cases due to the delta variant.