Vatican museums to reopen after nearly 3 months

After nearly three months of shutdown to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, Vatican Museums have been preparing to re-open to visitors on June 1.

The Vatican on Saturday said all visitors must wear protective masks and have their temperature checked before entry, with medical staff on hand.

Reservations will now be required to view museums, with establishments waiving advance ticketing fees of 4 euros (4.50 US dollars).

On the Museums itinerary is the Sistine Chapel, with its ceiling frescoed by Michelangelo.

On Fridays and Saturdays, visitors can reserve an aperitif at sunset in a Vatican courtyard.

Ticket sales and souvenir revenues are a major source of income for the Holy See.

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

Open bus tours of the manicured Vatican Gardens will be offered, and on weekends the public can tour the summer residence of popes in Castel Gandolfo, a hill town near Rome.

There have been 12 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the tiny Vatican City State.

(Picture credit: AP)