Return to Normal Life Will Be Gradual, Greece’s Prime Minister Says

(Bloomberg) -- The return to a normal life after the coronavirus pandemic will be “gradual and in phases,” Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said.

Greece has seen fewer deaths and cases than other European countries amid widespread observance of restrictions on movement but, “the slightest letup can lead to a painful regression,” Mitsotakis said in a televised address to the nation.

While the recession in 2020 will be “deep”, the recovery in 2021 “can be even bigger”, he said announcing emergency financial aid of 400 euros ($436) for each of Greece’s 155,000 long-term unemployed.

The end of the current restrictions on movement is on the horizon, but must be lifted carefully and with a plan, Mitsotakis said. Currently in total lockdown, Greece has so far recorded over 2,000 coronavirus cases and 99 deaths.

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