REXBURG – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Deseret Industries closed temporarily on Wednesday.

The closures were done to help stop and contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

In a church press release, it announced that all of its Deseret Industries stores would be closed for both shopping and donations. Yet, they will be available for area bishops to provide for those needing items such as clothing and kitchen devices. Bishops often rely on the stores to help those who would otherwise go without.

“They will remain open to support the needs of individuals served by local church leaders and community partner grants,” the release said.

The church also reported that those employees who are in low-risk demographics may be transferred to work at other church facilities such as the bishop’s storehouse, and food processing operations to backfill any staff or volunteers from those facilities who are in a higher risk category and, out of an abundance of caution, remain at home.

“These closures and transfers are temporary. Updated information will be provided as this situation evolves,” said the press release.

Workers at the Rexburg Deseret Industries declined to go into specifics on the issue. It’s not known when the store will reopen.

As more information on the Deseret Industry closure is made available, the Standard Journal will update this story.