New Greek COVID-19 infections spiked to 2,646 new cases of which 42 were identified at entry points to the country. There were also 18 deaths bringing fatalities to 673.

The new cases are spread as follows:

– 823 in Thessaloniki
– 588 in Attica, where Athens is located
– 111 in Larissa
– 85 in Drama
– 83 in Rodopi
– 78 under investigation
– 72 in Serres
– 61 in Evros
– 57 in Kavala
– 55 in Xanthi
– 54 in Pella and
– 51 in Kilkis

Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will address the nation at noon Thursday (Greek time) and will answer press questions related to COVID-19. Infectious disease professor Sotiris Tsiodras will also be present to respond to questions on behalf of the Greek Health Ministry’s committee of experts.

READ MORE: COVID-19 cases in Greece skyrocket to 2,166

Government sources spoke of “an alarm over the exponential rise of infections in the country” and the pressure on the health system.

In a statement, they said: “Despite the measures, recent days are showing an exponential rise in infections throughout the country. This is cause for alarm because it will add greater pressure onto the health system. That is why, as in a previous phase, more measures are necessary to stem the pandemic’s progress. We cannot stand by when we see the problem approaching. The situation is being reviewed on a daily basis. Measures are being studied and will be announced by the prime minister following the recommendations of specialists.”

Greece’s Ministry of Health announced the availability of beds in intensive care units (ICUs) in Greek hospitals on Thursday, saying that of 348 beds in ICUs dedicated to COVID-19 nationwide, only 128 remain available.

READ MORE: Greece confirms 882 new COVID-19 cases, with overnight curfews introduced

The numbers are as follows:

– Total beds in all Greek ICUs: 1,013

– Total beds in Greek ICUs (non-COVID): 665. Of these, only 187 are available. In Attica, 65 are available (out of 323), and in Thessaloniki 40 are available (out of 81).

– Total beds for COVID-19 patients, whether in ICUs or not: 3,972. Of these, 1,503 are occupied by patients either in several states/facilities, including intubation.

– Total COVID-dedicated beds in ICUs: 348. Of these, 128 are available. In Attica, 40 are available (out of 144), and in Thessaloniki, 31 are available (out of 102).