Phased Reopening of Temples

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
We are thankful for all who have worked to address the effects of this global pandemic. As a Church, we have sought to be cautious in our actions and to limit the gathering of our members, even for weekly worship and sacred temple work.
With profound gratitude to our Heavenly Father that He has heard our prayers, we rejoice in announcing a carefully coordinated, cautious, and phased reopening of temples. With this letter, we are authorizing the reopening of 17 temples.
Beginning Monday, May 11, 2020, living husband-and-wife sealing ordinances will be performed in selected temples for members who have been previously endowed. These sealings will be conducted with a minimum number of temple staff, and a limited number of participants, according to local government restrictions. As changing restrictions and local conditions allow, the Temple Department will authorize the reopening of additional temples and expanded opportunities will be made available for receiving living child-to-parent sealings and own-endowment ordinances, as well as participation in proxy ordinances. Further information, as well as a list of temples that will reopen now, may be found at Newsroom.ChurchofJesusChrist.org and will be sent to Church leaders.
We ask for your continued faith and prayers that this pandemic and its lingering effects may pass. We look forward to the day that we can resume full operation of our temples, congregations, and missionary service.
Sincerely,
The First Presidency
Members can see the opening status of their specific temple and any restrictions by going to this temple list PDF 

Phased reopening

The reopening of temples will proceed in a cautious and carefully planned and coordinated manner based on local government restrictions and as authorized by the Temple Department. The four phases of opening are designed to reduce risk, accommodate the demand and capacity of the temple, and observe any relevant health restrictions in the temple district.

Phase 1: Living husband-and-wife sealings by appointment

• Perform living sealings only for previously endowed members under strict guidelines and safety precautions

Phase 2: Open for all living ordinances only

• Perform all temple ordinances for living individuals
• Maintain closure of patron housing, clothing, and cafeteria operations

Phase 3: Open for all ordinances with restrictions

• Continue providing ordinances for living individuals
• Provide proxy ordinances for ancestors in a restricted manner
• Open patron housing, clothing, and cafeteria operations as needed

Phase 4: Open for full operations

• Resume regular temple operations