General leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints announced Mar. 11 that there will be major changes to the format of their upcoming general conference.

In the announcement they stated that they still plan to hold all five sessions of the conference  at the Conference Center, but that only the general authorities, general officers and their spouses, musicians, choirs, technicians, and others assigned will be allowed to attend in person.

It was stated that “the public will not be admitted in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, or in stake centers or meetinghouses in areas where contagion is a concern.”

The LDS church is still encouraging all members to continue to prepare for the upcoming conference that will be broadcasted throughout the world.

In the announcement it was stated that “we are deeply concerned about the global spreading of illness caused by COVID-19 and we have prayerfully considered the current circumstances. We want to be good global citizens and do what we can to control this contagious illness.”