Greece recorded its second-highest number of deaths since the start of the coronavirus pandemic with 130 fatalities, health officials said Tuesday.

The number of deaths has risen to 19,475 since the start of the pandemic.

Another 5,736 cases were also recorded in the last 24 hours, according to the National Organization for Public Health.

The nation registered its previous highest death toll with 134 fatalities on May 3, 2020.

Greece has confirmed more than 1.01 million infections since the pandemic began.

Meanwhile, intubations continue to be high with 700 intubated patients admitted to intensive care units.

Of total intubations, 568 (81.14%) are unvaccinated or partly vaccinated and 132 (18.86%) are fully vaccinated.

Earlier Tuesday, one of Greece’s most controversial journalists and commentators died of respiratory failure resulting from complications from the virus.

Giorgos Trangas 72, who refused to be vaccinated, tested positive Nov. 30 and was admitted to a state hospital Dec. 4 as his condition deteriorated.

Trangas was well known for his populist comments and critical viewpoints. He hosted several radio and television shows and was a commentator in several newspapers.

He formed a political movement in February called Free Citizens which criticized measures to stem the spread of the coronavirus and the vaccine.

“He wanted to get vaccinated,” a close associate told Skai TV on Tuesday.

“He was battling with himself and his fears … whoever tells you something else is not saying the truth,” said Paris Kourtzidis./aa