ATHENS — The recommendations of the experts determine the government's next steps in terms of opening up society and the economy, Development and Investment Minister Adonis Georgiadis said on Thursday, in an interview with public broadcaster ERT1.

"For this reason," the minister said, "financial tools were decided on to support companies that will remain closed in April."

Georgiadis said that the government wants to open all stores in the "red zone" areas from Monday, but this will depend on the epidemiological picture and the relevant suggestions of the experts.

"We will comply with the suggestions of the experts," he said and estimated that the situation at the end of April will be much better. He declined to give a date for the opening of restaurants, bars and cafes, saying that the priority is to fully open the retail sector.

The opening of tourism is vital for economic growth, Georgiadis said, in reply to a relevant question.

Asked about beauty salons, he said: "Without the consent of experts we can not announce the opening of businesses and more specifically beauty salons."