Vatican City, Nov 4, 2020 / 08:00 am
The Vatican announced Wednesday that the Vatican Museums will close until Dec. 3 as Italy implements further coronavirus restrictions.
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte signed a decree to close all museums in Italy from Nov. 5 until Dec. 3 in response to the growing number of coronavirus cases in Italy. Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, the Vatican Museums have followed the Italian government's measures.
Along with the Vatican Museums, the Scavi Tour of St. Peter's tomb, as well as the Pontifical Villas, will close to visitors starting Nov. 5, according to the Holy See press office.
Europe is currently experiencing a second wave of coronavirus cases. Italy's health ministry reported 28,244 new COVID-19 cases and 353 deaths in 24 hours Nov. 3, with 2,225 coronavirus patients currently being treated in intensive care units, including Cardinal Gualtiero Bassetti, president of the Italian bishops' conference.