Update from Stake President

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Due to the spread of COVID-19 and new travel regulations instituted by many governments, missionaries currently serving in some missions in the world will be temporarily moved, reassigned or honorably released.

Missionaries will return home to self-isolate for 14 days as a precaution.

We ask that you allow them to self isolated for those 14 days. Please avoid any physical contact and let your communication be electronic or from a safe distance.

Following that, they will receive new temporary assignments in their home countries based on capacity and need.

Here is part of an email Mission Presidents just received from the Area Office in the Philippines

who have been working non stop to secure travel for missionaries serving in the Philippines:

“Delta airlines is providing six charter planes to carry more than 1,500 missionaries to Salt Lake City. The missionaries traveling on these planes are those who live in the United States or Canada. Barring any unforeseen problems, the planes will depart from the Manila International airport on Sunday afternoon, about 1 hour apart. The missionaries should arrive in Salt Lake City Sunday evening. For missionaries on these Delta charter jets who do not live in Salt Lake City area, the Missionary Department is scheduling additional flights to get them to their home airports”.

We live in amazing times

Guidelines for Isolation: Returning Home for Self-Isolation

For several days prior to leaving the mission, 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. Therefore, the likelihood of any of these missionaries having contracted the coronavirus is low.

Some missionaries may return to countries where there is government-mandated isolation. In these cases, missionaries should follow the appropriate isolation procedures.

In cases where there is not a government-mandated isolation, as a precaution for others, we ask the missionary to isolate himself or herself for 14 days after returning home. It is very important that the missionary follow these guidelines:

• The missionary should remain in the home with limited contact with others. This includes not visiting public locations, such as church buildings. The missionary should limit interactions with other individuals. Further, individuals visiting the missionary should be free of underlying illness.

• The missionary should stay in a well-ventilated room, preferably alone. If it is not possible for the missionary to be alone, others in the room should be about 2 meters (6 feet) away.

• The missionary and others in the home should follow good hygiene practices, including:

• Frequently wash hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Cover nose and mouth with cloth, tissues, or elbows when coughing or sneezing, followed by cleaning hands.

• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, drinks, or toothbrushes.

• Wear a mask if there are any symptoms of respiratory illness (see below).

Missionaries and families should contact a local health official for guidance if they have questions about appropriate isolation procedures or if the missionary develops symptoms of a respiratory illness. Prior to visiting a health care provider, contact the provider to inform them of the country from where the missionary recently returned, and that the missionary has developed some of the following symptoms:

• Fever

• Cough

• Shortness of breath

• Congestion

• Sore throat

• Body aches

• Stomach upset

In a letter March 19 to Latter-day Saints around the globe, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles announced additional updates to the April 2020 general conference. Each session will be broadcast from a small auditorium on Temple Square. The First Presidency will preside and conduct those sessions, and only those who have been invited to speak or pray will attend. The music for the conference has been pre-recorded.

Currently we have been directed to follow all guidelines and directives requested by local, state and federal authorities – particularly regarding numbers of gathering (which are now 10 and less) and no gatherings with those over 60. This includes funerals and other requested events.

Please note that the current situation with COVID-19 is fluid and future instructions may change. Directions that we give today may change tomorrow and so please be flexible and know that we will pass information as soon as we receive it. We need to be able to adapt quickly as we receive additional information and directions.

We know that following guidelines and health instruction may cause some discomfort and frustration. We ask that you follow the counsel and example given by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Finally - be kind, loving and patient with one another. Seek for opportunities to bless the lives of those around you. Your Bishoprics, Elders Quorum presidency and Relief Society presidency are amazing and care deeply. Help them every chance you get, encourage each other and share faith promoting experiences.

All our love,

Mesquite Nevada Stake Presidency