ATHENS — Government spokesperson Stelios Petsas referred to the resumption of economic and social activity during the press briefing on Monday.

"The country is preparing for its next big step in the process of restarting economic and social activity. On July 1, all the country's airports will open for flights from abroad and we are fully prepared to welcome our visitors. We are striving for a bigger piece of a clearly smaller pie and send the message [that Greece offers] a pleasant summer in a safe country. The health services and the civil defence have take all the necessary measures to protect the safety and health of the workers in the sector, the residents of tourist destinations and, of course, our visitors," Petsas said.

He reiterated that there can be no shortcuts in issues related to public health and human life. He also referred to what the prime minister pointed out during the greeting he addressed on Sunday to a conference on the elimination of COVID-19.

Specifically, he reiterated that "Greece is safe. Our doctors and the state have taken all necessary measures to protect the citizens, but also visitors to our country. Our economy has restarted and our tourism is taking its first organised steps. A comprehensive civil protection system allows us to control the situation throughout the country, while special plans have been drawn up to identify, track and deal with any eventuality in a timely and appropriate manner."

Turning to relations with Turkey, in response to a relevant question, Petsas noted that "in the current situation, there is a need for a de-escalation in practice of Turkey's provocative actions. With this proviso, and on the basis of international law and the rules of good neighbourliness, we are ready to discuss with Turkey the only difference we have, which is the delimitation of maritime zones."

He also underlined that the government is in favour of keeping open channels of communication with Turkey.