SALT LAKE CITY — Elder Dale Renlund, along with his wife Sister Ruth Renlund, tested positive for the coronavirus, church officials announced in a statement Saturday. Elder Renlund is the second apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to be diagnosed with COVID-19.
Elder Renlund is said to have “mild symptoms,” according to church officials, while Sister Renlund is asymptomatic. The two will be monitored for symptoms over the coming days.
Other church leaders are being tested for the virus as a precaution and the church “is following all appropriate health protocols for contact tracing and will continue to follow health guidelines for this virus,” according to the statement.
“We continue to encourage all to take steps to protect themselves and one another during this pandemic, including wearing masks, frequently washing hands, and social distancing,” said church spokesman Eric Hawkins.
Elder Renlund, 68, is the second apostle to test positive for COVID-19, after Elder Gerrit Gong and Sister Susan Gong were diagnosed in early October. Both recovered and Elder Gong was present for the Taylorsville Utah Temple groundbreaking Oct. 31.
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COVID-19 coronavirus spreads person to person, similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:
Utah’s Coronavirus Information
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention