Paris' Louvre museum reopens after staff end coronavirus protest

The Louvre museum in Paris reopened to the public Wednesday after management took steps to allay staff fears over the coronavirus spread which had sparked a two-day work stoppage.

A visitor wearing a mask and a scarf around her face queue outside the main entrance to the Louvre museum in Paris on 4 March, 2020. AFP/Philippe Lopez

In a statement, the world's most visited museum said that faced with the "legitimate concerns" of staff over COVID-19, it had agreed to take "extra measures" to ensure the safety of employees and visitors alike.

Staff had refused to work on Sunday and Monday, citing a threat to health. The museum is closed to the public on Tuesdays.

Mercredi 4 mars : le musée du #Louvre est ouvert.

Wednesday March, 4: the #Louvre is open. pic.twitter.com/nY1vTjTB9P

  Musée du Louvre (@MuseeLouvre) March 4, 2020

The health ministry had argued there was no evidence of the "grave and imminent threat" to life or health that French employees can cite as a valid reason to refuse to work.

Visitors applauded as the doors opened Wednesday, an AFP reporter at the former royal palace reported.

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The closure of the Louvre, which received 9.6 million visitors last year, had caused bitter disappointment among the thousands of tourists who flock each day to the home of the Mona Lisa.

The protest reflected growing jitters over the spread of the coronavirus, which has killed over 3,200 people worldwide, including four in France.

The government at the weekend cancelled all indoor events for more than 5,000 people as a precautionary measure.