ATHENS, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Greece has strengthened the healthcare services network across its islands to ensure the safety of visitors and residents alike as tourism is due to officially restart from June 15.

At least 446 simple beds and 19 intensive care unit beds for COVID-19 cases have been reserved on islands, which could be increased to 674 and 79 respectively, Health Minister Vassilis Kikilias told a press briefing Friday.

In addition, all health centers on the islands are prepared and will be in operation 24 hours daily, while more doctors were appointed and trained by emergency drills. At least 11 negative-pressure capsules for air transport to mainland hospitals are already available and more will be added in coming weeks, the minister said.

As of June 15, international flights resume to the airports of Athens and Thessaloniki. Travelers from 29 countries with positive epidemiological data, including China, will be subject to sample testing only, the government has announced.

All other travelers arriving from an airport on the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) list of affected areas with a high risk of transmission of COVID-19 will be subject to obligatory testing. They will have to spend at least one night at a designated hotel at the Greek state's expenses.

As of July 1, international flights will be allowed into all Greek airports and visitors will be subject to random tests.

To date, Greece has a total of 3,088 COVID-19 cases, including 183 deaths. Enditem

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