Coronavirus: Museums in Vatican City to reopen on June 1

The Vatican Museums will open up again on June 1 after months of staying shut down due to the coronavirus lockdown.

A statement said the Museums, which house some of the world's greatest Renaissance masterpieces as well as ancient Roman and Egyptian artefacts, can be visited from the beginning of June, though only by making on-line reservations in order to control the number of people.

All visitors wearing face masks and having their temperature checked before entry.

Medical staff will also be present at the museums. Also, since reservations will now be required, advance ticketing fees of 4 euros (USD 4.50) are being waived.

For now, the Museums are suspending the free-entry initiative on the last Sunday of each month.

There have been 12 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in tiny Vatican City State or among its employees.