Mormon Missionary Dress Code Changed to Fight Zika Virus Threat

By Kelly Frazier --
24 May 2016 --

The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announces revised dress guidelines for sister missionaries in areas of the world affected by mosquito-borne diseases. - — The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announces revised dress guidelines for sister missionaries in areas of the world affected by mosquito-borne diseases. – Mormon Newsroom

Mormon missionary dress policy has been revised to provide protection from mosquito-borne diseases.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) recently updated their grooming standards for their full-time missionaries. Previously, the male missionaries had to wear conservative dark trousers, white shirts, ties, and suit coats. For female missionaries, the dress code included mid-calf length skirts and modest and professional dresses or blouses. Then later, the Church gave permission for male missionaries to wear light-colored suits and colored ties. They were also allowed to wear a suit vest or a sweater over their dress shirt.

Mormon Missionary Dress Code Changed to Fight Zika Virus Threat[/tweetthis]

However, they were still required to dress conservatively and professionally. For sister missionaries, the updated dress code included skirts and dresses that cover their knees. They were no longer required to wear mid-calf length skirts and dresses. As of now, the sister missionaries may wear full-length dress slacks to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

Women serving Mormon missions can wear dress slacks or long dresses in areas impacted by mosquito-borne illnesses like the Zika virus, Dengue Fever or Chikungunya, according to a news release issued by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on May 20, 2016. (LDS Church)

The new dress guidelines for missionaries comes in the wake of major government agencies concerned with disease prevention and health care, issuing precautions and alerts regarding the spread of viral diseases caused due to the mosquito bites throughout major areas of the world. The CDC (Center for Disease Control) recently announced that they are tracking almost 300 Zika virus cases in U.S. women. Zika virus can cause microcephaly, stillbirths, and various congenital problems.

Thailand's Ministry of Public Health has warned the public to take precautions against dengue fever. The rainy season is about to start in Thailand. Colombia has already reported about 50,000 dengue fever cases. The chikungunya virus that spread through the Caribbean and South America since 2013 is now threatening Southern Europe and the United States.

Apart from the dressing guidelines, the Church has announced several other new policies to protect the health of their missionaries. From now on, the Church would pay for permethrin insecticide solution and DEET-containing repellent for all their missionaries. The Church is also asking their missionaries to avoid stagnant/standing water whenever possible and follow the recommendations of local authorities to protect themselves from mosquito-borne diseases.

About half of the LDS Church's missions are located in countries where there is a significant risk of mosquito-borne diseases. The Church leaders are strongly recommending them to wear clothing that covers exposed skin, especially legs and arms. In countries/areas where it is prohibited for women to wear slacks, the Church is encouraging their sister missionaries to wear long skirts.

According to Elder Schwitzer, they are training their missionary force to implement all the preventive measures to keep them safe from diseases.

It is still mandatory for sister missionaries to wear skirts or dresses while attending the temple and during Sunday worship services.

According to the new guidelines, the LDS missionaries may also wear wide-brimmed hats and conservative sunglasses.

The new policies were announced a couple of days ago in a news release by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.