More than 80% of ICU beds in Greece occupied

By Ahmet Gencturk

ANKARA (AA) - More than 80% of intensive care unit (ICU) beds in Greece are occupied as that country faces a spike in flu and other upper respiratory infections, media reports said Friday.

The Avgi daily cited a report by Greece’s Federation of Public Hospital Employees (POEDIN) that showed of the 1,165 ICU beds in the county’s health system, 976 are occupied by 168 coronavirus patients and 808 with non-COVID-19 patients.

Of the empty ICU beds registered, some are not available due to staff and equipment shortages, it said.

Michalis Giannakos, the head of POEDIN, said it is best to take self-protection measures and to wear a mask in crowds.

“It’s also necessary to strengthen the national health system with required personnel and equipment,” he said.