ATHENS — "The operation of the retail sector is a test of whether we can communicate in good faith and in a civilised way," Development Minister Adonis Georgiadis said in an interview with Skai TV on Monday.

He added that if the epidemiological data allows, there is a possibility of lift the current ban on movement outside prefecture borders in order to open up ski resorts.

Regarding the retail sector, Georgiadis expressed confidence that turnover will be satisfactory and that the sales period will be very successful but expressed concern over the possible impact on the epidemiological situation. "When we open the restaurants, there will only be tables outside. There is a subsidy for heaters," he noted, while noting that Greece was still "a long way" from the opening of the restaurants.

The issue of the operation of the ski resorts will be raised at the committee meeting next Friday, the minister announced. "Travel from prefecture to prefecture has been discussed in the committee. One of the plans we have, if the epidemic situation allows it, is to open the ski resorts, because it is a seasonal activity and they cannot exist if there is no travel," he explained.