The funeral of the 66-year-old retired professor, the first person in Greece to succumb to coronavirus (COVID-19), the disease that has swept across the globe, took place earlier today.

Manolis Agiomyrgiannakis developed symptoms of pneumonia as soon as he returned from a trip to the Holy Land. Several of his fellow travellers also contracted the virus and are either in hospital or in containment at home.

After his health condition deteriorated, on the 12th March, he died of multi-organ failure.

Only close relatives were allowed inside for Manolis’ funeral service which took place at the Holy Temple of Saint Athanasius in Amaliada.

His casket (which was sealed with special gel) was carried in by men dressed in protective gear, while the relatives of the deceased wore masks.

According to Health Ministry spokesman Sotirios Tsiodras, the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases currently stands at 495, while the deaths has increased to 13.