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.

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.

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.

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 canceled all indoor events for more than 5,000 people as a precautionary measure.

RELATED PHOTOS Tourists prepare to enter the Louvre as the staff closed the museum during a meeting about the coronavirus outbreak, in Paris on Monday. | REUTERS