ATHENS — The government's goal is the gradual reopening of economic activity, probably from March 22 or a week later, Development and Investment Minister Adonis Georgiadis said on Tuesday in an interview with Parapolitika 90.1 radio station.

Regarding the way retail trade will operate, the minister clarified that shops will open normally and not using the "click away" method (order online or by phone and collection at the store) but via an sms that will set a time limit for completing all purchases.

Georgiadis also said that cafes and restaurants will open at a later date, most likely on April 15, and then only seat customers outdoors, noting that this will depend on the progress of vaccinations.

The minister said that the increase in cases in Attica was linked to the so-called UK variant.

Finally, he said that no one accepts phenomena involving arbitrary use of force by the police, adding that police officers must always be calm and composed.