Another Egyptian priest passed away on Thursday morning as a result of coronavirus complications, becoming the fourth clergyman of the country's Coptic Orthodox Church to die from the highly contagious disease.

Bishai Numan, 53, had contracted the virus while performing the funeral prayer for a COVID-19 victim, according to the Church.

He served as a pastor of the Saints Monastery in Upper Egypt's Luxor governorate for 22 years, the spokesman of the Coptic Orthodox Church said.

Numan's funeral prayer has taken place on Thursday at the same monastery where his body will be laid to rest.

In March Egypt shut down mosques and churches to curb the spread of the pandemic.

Halls designated for funeral services at churches have also been closed, with services limited to family of the deceased.

Baptism is allowed at churches in the attendance of the family of the baptised child.

Marriage ceremonies are allowed to be held in churches with a limited number of attendees.

As of Wednesday, Egypt has recorded a total of 49,219 confirmed coronavirus cases, including 1,850 deaths.

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