Greece, the most heavily affected in the Balkans  by the H1N1 strain, has now surpassed 2000 cases of infected people. Of this number, 11 people are reported to be in a serious condition, and one person has already succumbed to the strain, Greece’s first and so far only fatality.  
 
On September 8 2009, doctors requested that more bed capacity be allocated to hospital intensive care units that are currently dealing with the treatment and isolation of the virus.

Education minister Aris Spiliotopoulos, speaking on September 9 2009, also announced the health ministry’s emergency strategy to tackle the advance of the strain as Greek children prepare to begin school on September 11.  
 
According to Greek daily Kathimerini, envisaged measures include setting up an emergency call centre, operated by the hotline number 1550. This hotline will be manned by medical staff who will instruct the public about typical symptoms of the virus and also how people can diagnose themselves and take appropriate action.
 
The Greek health ministry’s website will also "be providing specific information about preventive measures and steps people can take to protect themselves against contracting the bug," Spiliotopoulos told Kathimerini.
 
"If the virus starts spreading, a special programme has been created for educational television so that children who may have to stay at home do not get behind with their lessons," the minister said.
 
More than 45 000 vaccinations have now been secured for teaching staff. The country has already earmarked a 40 million euro package for vaccines and has placed further orders with Novartis, Glaxo and Sanofi for eight million additional vaccine doses.
 
"We decided that the entire population, all citizens and residents, without any exception, will be vaccinated against the flu," the minister said on September 1.