Greece's Plan to Secure Islands Stay Coronavirus-Free in Summer 2020

Greek islands are preparing to host their first tourists as the country opens up to foreign travel beginning on June 15.
Authorities say that they have put in place a comprehensive plan to for early identification and treatment of possible coronavirus cases.
Greek Health Minister Vassilis Kikilias presented on Friday a detailed action plan which involves an interconnected network of emergency health care and medical services linking Greece’s islands with the mainland as well as specific guidelines for the transport by air or sea of infected individuals.
“We are covering every possible case, providing multiple options for testing as well as to address a possible incident depending on a variety of factors including distance, tourist flows, weather,” said Kikilias.
He said Greece had enhanced precautionary measures as it prepares to welcome travelers on Monday focusing on increasing the number of local health facilities and allowing for further additions depending on visitor numbers and the evolution of Covid-19 incidents, boosting capacity for emergency medical transport by air or sea, and intensifying coronavirus screening.
More specifically, according to the ministry plan:
-All of the country’s islands now have access to medical services either on location or via transport to the nearest facility.
-All hospitals, healthcare units or centers on the islands will be operating on a 24-hour basis.
-The number of medical and health care staff stationed on the islands has been increased.
-446 beds and 19 Intensive Care Units (ICU) for Covid-19 cases have been secured for the islands with the capacity to increase to 674 and 79, respectively should the need arise.
-Health centers as well as floating medical units are working together with NGOs to carry out extensive sample testing while mobile health facilities will be conducting tests, collecting data for epidemiological research and tracking information.
-Syros and Rhodes will be equipped with PCR testing units with smaller units on smaller islands.
-The National Center for Emergency Assistance (EKAB) has been equipped with isolation capsules for the safe transport by air ensuring a sanitary care environment for highly contagious patients.
-Medical air transportation services will be carried out by helicopters and planes of the Greek Air Force and the Civil Protection secretariat, marine means of the port authorities, and via private means.
According to the Greek health ministry’s plan:
Hospitals open 24/7
Santorini, Mytilini, Rhodes, Samos, Syros, Chios, Ikaria, Kalymnos, Kythira, Kos, Limnos, Naxos, Leros, Halkida, Karystos, Kymi, Zakynthos, Corfu, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Lixouri, Agios Nikolaos, Heraklion, Rethymno, Chania, Ierapetra, Neapoli, Sitia
Hospitals with Covid-19 ICU
Mytilini, Rhodes, Samos, Syros, Chios, Zakynthos, Corfu, Agios Nikolaos, Heraklion, Chania
Health centers
Aegina, Andros, Ios, Karpathos, Milos, Mykonos, Paros, Patmos, Milos, Amorgos, Samothrace, Thassos, Skiathos, Skopelos, Ithaki, Paxi, Tinos, Salamina