SALT LAKE CITY — All Deseret Industries Thrift stores will close to the public but remain open to serve some individual needs due to the spread of COVID-19.

In support of community health, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced in a statement Tuesday afternoon that beginning Wednesday “stores will be closed to the public for shopping and donations but will remain open to support the needs of individuals served by bishops’ orders and community partner grants.”

Employees of Deseret Industries who are low-risk may be transferred to work at bishops’ storehouses and food processing operations to supplement any staff or volunteers from those facilities who are in a higher risk category and need to remain at home, the statement said.

These closures and transfers are temporary and updated information will be provided as this situation evolves, the statement concluded.

Deseret Industries stores will remain open Tuesday until 6 p.m.