ATHENS — The government is planning to take further measures for the support of the economy after the end of the pandemic, Alternate Development and Investment Minister Nikos Papathanasis said in an interview with ANT1 TV on Sunday.

He also stressed that the government is aware of the major problems that restaurant owners are facing due to the pandemic and therefore subsidized its representatives with the amount of 1.9 billion in 2020 to cover most of their losses.

According to Papathanasis, the Prime Minister himself has announced a series of measures that have already been implemented, such as the refundable advance, the "freezing" of rents, the coverage of salaries and social security contributions for employees, the subsidy for the purchase of heating appliances but also the subsidy of business expenses that will come in a few days.

Papathanasis added that in February loans will be given to companies up to the amount of 50,000 euros, with the guarantee of the Greek state.

Regarding the confusion created with the operation of the 'take away', he replied that it was found that there would be a problem with its ban and for this reason, despite the suggestions of experts, the measure was withdrawn.