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On Sunday, people were lining up in front of the Louvre but were not allowed to
The Louvre museum in Paris remained closed amid concerns about the coronavirus epidemic in France.
Staff at the Louvre – the most visited museum in the world – voted “almost unanimously” not to open on Sunday, said a union representative.
The French government banned all indoor gatherings of more than 5,000 people on Saturday to curb the spread of the new coronavirus.
France has reported 100 cases of Covid-19 disease. Two people died.
What happened at the Louvre on Sunday?
Queues formed outside the museum’s iconic pyramid in the rain, but the doors remained closed.
A statement posted on the museum’s website indicates that a meeting was examining the “public health situation related to the Covid-19 prevention measures” announced by the government.
The day before, an emergency cabinet meeting banned large gatherings “in confined spaces”, as well as outdoor events such as the Paris half-marathon on Sunday.
Union official Christian Galani told AFP news agency: “The meeting was organized to discuss the concerns of the staff”, adding that management representatives were unable to convince the workers to surrender at work.
“The Louvre is a confined space that welcomes more than 5,000 people a day,” said Mr. Galani. “There is real concern from the staff.”
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We don’t know when the museum could reopen.
What should I know about coronavirus?
- WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? A simple guide
- WAYS TO PREVENT CATCH: How to wash your hands
- WHERE ARE WE WITH A VACCINE? Progress to date
- A VISUAL GUIDE TO EVOLUTION: Virus Maps and Graphics
- WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR MY HOLIDAYS? Your rights as a traveler
What other rallies have been touched recently?
In France, all public gatherings have been banned in certain parts of the Oise, the area north of Paris, at the center of the coronavirus epidemic in France.
But the mayor of Montanaire, one of the cities affected by the ban, defied the decision and allowed a market to go ahead on Sunday.
Events canceled across France also include the last day of the Paris Agricultural Fair and a fireworks display in the southern city of Nice – both were scheduled to take place on Sunday.
Switzerland has also banned large gatherings. The General Motor Show and the Basel Carnival are among the events concerned.
In Italy, the most affected country in Europe, five Serie A football matches will not take place this weekend.
In rugby, Ireland has postponed the six nations’ male and female matches against Italy in Dublin next weekend.
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