ST. GEORGE — The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Friday that masking requirements for congregations will now be left in the hand of local church leaders.

The announcement, which comes on the heals of Utah Gov. Spencer Cox’s announcement that Utah will begin to ramp-down its own pandemic response, was sent to church leaders worldwide and gives them to ability to determine pandemic policy as needed.

“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,” the First Presidency wrote in a letter outlining the policy update.

“In doing so, local leaders should consider the guidance of local health and government officials and local customs and conditions.”

While local congregations may begin to see an easing in masking requirements, masks will remain enforced at Latter-day Saint temples for the time being since “many who attend are part of an elderly, more vulnerable population,” according to the letter.

Congregations across the region and Utah already have seen an ease in mask use. In some wards, congregants may arrive maskless while local leaders still wear masks until they speak from the pulpit.

Some church members also continue to have the option to participate virtually as they watch church services streamed over the internet.

Church leaders also recently announced that in-person attendance to the upcoming April General Conference was returning, albeit on a limited basis due to ongoing renovation work being completed at Temple Square in Salt Lake City.

Prior to this, the church’s twice-a-year General Conference has been held virtually since the onset of the pandemic in early 2020.

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