SALT LAKE CITY — The First Presidency and the rest of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles tested negative for COVID-19, a spokesman for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said Thursday, two days after one apostle and his wife tested positive.
Elder Gerrit W. Gong and his wife, Sister Susan Gong, continue to experience very mild symptoms while recovering at home, spokesman Eric Hawkins said.
“They are grateful for the many prayers and expressions of concern and love,” he added.
“Out of an abundance of caution, all members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles were tested, and all tests were negative,” Hawkins said. “Church leaders will continue to exercise caution and follow all health guidelines related to COVID-19 and encourage our members to do the same.”
Elder Gong prerecorded his message to the church’s 190th Semiannual General Conference, which was held Saturday and Sunday, after learning that he possible had been exposed to the coronavirus.
President Russell M. Nelson and the rest of the First Presidency and Twelve gathered to broadcast the conference from the Conference Center Theater across from Temple Square. They wore face masks and maintained physical distancing protocols.