With the number of coronavirus cases stabilising, all eyes now are on the lockdown exit strategy that will allow a gradual return to normal life.
President Nicos Anastasiades has warned that even though the Council of Ministers has decided on the strategy for the gradual relaxation of the measures, no decision has been taken on the date.
Finance Minister Constantinos Petrides has indicated that the first relaxation measures could come in early May.
But he has stressed that all depends on the coronavirus situation and adherence to the measures, with the first crucial test the Easter weekend.
The president will be briefing political party leaders on the issue on Thursday. The day before, the scientific team on the coronavirus outbreak and ministerial committee will convene at the Presidential Palace.
In a report last night, Alpha TV said that the night curfew may be lifted at the start of May and people allowed two ‘exits by exception’ from the house.
As Phileleftheros reports, the lockdown exit road map aims at a step by step approach to gradually restart the economy — always subject to the epidemiological situation.
Construction is seen as one of the sectors that are expected to resume first, thereby getting an important sector back to work and gradually easing the need for the state to provide allowances for workers.
Hairdresser salons and barbers are also said to be among the first.
A key question is the reopening of retail shops, starting with those that have a low number of shoppers before it is the turn of malls.
One idea being considered is to impose the same restrictions that currently apply in supermarkets with a maximum number of people per square metres.
There are questions also as regards gyms, catering establishments and cultural venues as well as cinemas and museums.
According to philenews, restaurants and cafes may be asked to have half the number of tables.
