The current year is an investment in the future and in future years, Tourism Minister Haris Theoharis said during his appearance on the public broadcaster ERT1 channel’s show ‘Epta’.
The minister said that a new lockdown was out of the question, noting that “at this time we are in control, unlike other countries that are our competitors. We are constantly monitoring the situation and remain vigilant,” he said.
According to Theoharis, the first line of the defence was opening the country to tourists from countries that epidemiologists considered to be of lower risk for spreading the coronavirus, while th second line of defence were the tests and checks at the gateways into Greece and a third were health and hygiene protocols and social distancing.
“The fourth line of defence are we, ourselves: strictly observing the protocols and no relaxation by anyone with respect to using masks, keeping safe distances etc ensures the maximum safety of all,” he added.
Theoharis said he was general optimistic, noting that there was already pressure from third countries, such as the US and Russia, to open the country’s borders to them as well. “This year is an investment in the future, in future years. We prefer careful steps with some restrictions and no easing so that we benefit even more in the future.”
