Guatemalan Missionary Tests Positive For COVID-19

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A missionary from Guatemala serving in Mexico City has tested positive for COVID-19, according to officials with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Officials confirmed the positive case on Friday.

“Today, we learned that a young missionary serving in Mexico City has tested positive for COVID-19,” said Daniel Woodruff, Church spokesman. “The young man, who is from Guatemala, is being treated for his mild symptoms. He and his current companion are isolated away from others. In accordance with established guidelines from public health agencies, notification is taking place for all those with whom the missionary had recent contact.”

Woodruff said that includes a former companion who returned to California two days ago and is in self-isolation.

“At this point, that missionary is not showing any symptoms,” Woodruff said. “Medical professionals are working with the missionary and his family to ensure they take all necessary precautions during the next few weeks.

“The Church will continue to reinforce established self-isolation procedures for missionaries who are traveling, at home and in the field. We are monitoring rapidly changing world conditions and are making adjustments as warranted. We take very seriously the health and safety of missionaries and the well-being of those around them.”

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Coronavirus Resources

• Have you or a family member been affected by coronavirus issues in Utah? KSL TV wants to hear from you. Contact KSL by emailing social@ksl.com.
• What is COVID-19? Here’s What You Need To Know To Stay Healthy
• What We Know And Don’t Know About The Coronavirus
• Four Common Coronavirus Questions Answered
• The latest coronavirus stories from KSL TV can be found at our Staying Safe: Coronavirus section.
• Your Life Your Health: How can parents prepare their home, children against coronavirus?

How Do I Prevent It?

The CDC has some simple recommendations, most of which are the same for preventing other respiratory illnesses or the flu:

• Avoid close contact with people who may be sick
• Avoid touching your face
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

The CDC does not recommend wearing a face mask respirator to protect yourself from coronavirus unless a healthcare professional recommends it.

How To Get Help

If you’re worried you may have COVID-19, you can contact the Utah Coronavirus Information Line at 1-800-456-7707 to speak to trained healthcare professionals. You can also use telehealth services through your healthcare providers.

Additional Resources

If you see evidence of PRICE GOUGING, the Utah Attorney General’s Office wants you to report it. Common items in question include toilet paper, water, hand sanitizer, certain household cleaners, and even cold medicine and baby formula. Authorities are asking anyone who sees price gouging to report it to the Utah Division of Consumer Protection at 801-530-6601 or 800-721-7233. The division can also be reached by email at consumerprotection@utah.gov.