ATHENS — Local lockdowns are a possibility in areas where there is a very large outbreak of Covid-19 cases, Development and Investments Minister Adonis Georgiadis said on Tuesday in an interview with Mega TV.

"What we are focusing on is to quickly track and trace these cases and isolate the areas where there is an increase," he said.

Asked about concerns over the spread of the virus after the new cases and the possibility of a return to a general lockdown, the minister said: "We can't not open our economy because otherwise we will be destroyed. That option does not exist. The question is whether we can do it in a sensible way that reduces the risk and reduces the speed at which the virus spreads."

Regarding crowding seen in bars and beaches, he stressed that "we can't expect an entire nation to suddenly change its habits for for people to turn into robots."

"What we are focusing on is to quickly track and trace these cases and isolate the areas where there is an increase, and to record as many tourists as possible," he said.