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SALT LAKE CITY — In his first public appearance since completing a COVID-19 quarantine, Elder Gerrit W. Gong, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said he and his wife Susan have completely recovered from the virus.
"We're now, according to our doctors, completely recovered," Elder Gong said. "We've been so grateful for the many thoughts and prayers by many people."
The Gongs quarantined with the novel coronavirus until Oct. 16; both only experienced mild symptoms, church officials said. The pair attended Saturday's groundbreaking for the new Taylorsville Utah Temple, with Elder Gong presiding.
Elder Gong and his wife recovered from the virus, but he said they know not everyone is as fortunate. He added they pray for those still directly impacted by the disease.
"We know that that's not been true for everyone and our hearts go out to those who are still suffering, who are still dealing with issues," he said. "And especially those who may have lost someone in their family."
Elder Gong, who is 66, is the only member of the church's Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to have contracted the disease. All of the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are over the age of 60 and considered higher risk if they contract COVID-19. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, those over the age of 85 are considered to be the highest-risk age group.
"We know it's been different for different families, and we're grateful for the many who have been so thoughtful and prayerful for us," Elder Gong said. "And our thoughts and prayers go to those who are still dealing with the pandemic."
In the roughly eight months since the pandemic came to Utah, the Salt Lake City-based church has continued to adapt to changing guidelines, while counseling members to follow local health recommendations.
After an unprecedented shutdown of temples in March, the church's operations there have begun to open up with a phased approach. In a historic move, the general conferences in April and October were held only digitally, and all in-person events included limited guests and mask-wearing. In addition, groundbreakings for new temples continue on, with two recently held in Utah.
The modifications demonstrate how the "work of the Lord" can continue even in less-than-ideal circumstances, according to Elder Dean Davies, a General Authority Seventy.
"It shows that notwithstanding whatever challenges we face, the work of the Lord goes forward," Elder Davies said. "We adapt, we readjust, and we demonstrate that the work won't be impeded. It will be able to bring joy and happiness to people, even in a pandemic."
