SALT LAKE CITY — A missionary is being treated for mild symptoms after he tested positive for COVID-19 while serving in Mexico City for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The man, who is from Guatemala, is in isolation with his companion, according to church spokesman Daniel Woodruff. A previous companion who returned to California on Wednesday is in self-isolation at home there. Others who had recent contact with the infected missionary also are being notified.
At this point, that missionary is not showing any symptoms,” Woodruff said in a statement provided to media on Friday night. “Medical professionals are working with the missionary and his family to ensure they take all necessary precautions during the next few weeks.”
The church announced Monday that it was in the process of sending all nonnative missionaries home from its 32 missions in Mexico.
“The church will continue to reinforce established self-isolation procedures for missionaries who are traveling, at home and in the field.” Woodruff said. “We are monitoring rapidly changing world conditions and are making adjustments as warranted. We take very seriously the health and safety of missionaries and the well-being of those around them.”
Church leaders and staff are in the process of sending tens of thousands of missionaries back to their home countries from more than 350 of the faith’s 399 missions worldwide. Some are being released early from their missions. Others will be reassigned.