ATHENS — Greece entered the second Covid-19 pandemic wave in the first 10 days of August, epidemiologist and special coronavirus committee member Gkikas Magiorkinis said during a televised briefing on Tuesday.

During the twice-weekly briefing, Magiorkinis said that new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus ranged between 200 and 400 on most days of the last month, with a mild rising tendency. The health system is feeling the pressure of the gradual increase in intubated patients, who currently have passed the 80 mark, to 87 reported on Tuesday. Most of the virus load continues to be recorded in Attica, which on a daily basis accounts for over 50 pct of all new cases nationally, he said.

The specialist warned that there is still a long way to go with he pandemic and a steep increase of contagion is expected in the coming winter, with more people spending time indoors.

At the same briefing, Deputy Civil Defense Minister for Crisis Management Nikos Hardalias announced a four-level plan to be used in local restrictions, depending on the severity of the outbreak. He named them as follows: 1, preparedness; 2, monitoring; 3, increased monitoring, and 4, increased threat. Each locale's epidemiological level will be reviewed every two weeks, he said, and adjusted accordingly. The detailed map will be presented on Friday.

He also announced the suspension of 14 schools nationally, up to today, October 6, along with certain classrooms shut down in a total of 114 areas. Most of the schools on suspended schedules are located in epidemiologically loaded areas, Hardalias noted.