On Aug. 17 the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints announced more details in their plan of limited reopening of temples. The LDS church is implementing a 4 phase reopening plan for temples, with different temples going through different phases as there are different restrictions in different areas.

In phases one and two, many precautions will be taken by temple workers and patrons including masks worn at all times, very limited numbers of patrons in the temple at a time, minimal staff in the temple, sanitization after each temple ceremony, careful social distancing and seating arrangements, and temperature checks at the entrance. Patrons will also be allowed to wear their own masks and gloves.

Currently there are already nine Utah temples in phase two of reopening and church leaders reminded members that “priority will be given first to living persons who are to be sealed, next to missionaries currently serving in the field, and then to missionaries who are preparing to depart based on their departure date.”

The four phases of the reopening plan are as follows. Phase one allows for openings for living husband and wife sealings by appointment. Phase two allows for all living ordinances with restrictions in place. Phase three allows for all ordinances with restrictions in place. Phase four allows the temples to open for full operations.

With the reopening of temples the church leaders stated that priority will first be given to individuals who already have an appointment scheduled, followed by individuals who needed to reschedule their appointments due to the pandemic.

As for temples in Utah; Bountiful, Brigham City, Cedar City, Logan, Mount Timpanogos, Ogden, Payson, Provo City Center, Provo, and Vernal temples all began phase two of reopening on Aug. 17. Draper and Jordan River temples will begin phase two of reopening on Aug. 24.