Tributes to Yorkshire hospital scientist, 45, who died from Covid-19

Biomedical scientist Richzeal Albufera who died on Tuesday

The 45-year-old, who worked in the laboratories at Castle Hill Hospital, in Cottingham, near Hull, "had already given so much to the NHS and had so much more to give", said Hull University Teaching Hospitals Trust chief executive Chris Long.

Staff who worked with Mr Albufera will lead a minute’s silence on Monday and a Book of Condolence is being opened.

Mr Albufera joined the hospital trust in April 2005.

Mr Long, who was speaking on behalf of Mr Albufera's family, said tests confirmed the presence of Covid-19.

He added: "Despite the best efforts of our Critical Care team, we were unable to save Richzeal and he died of severe complications associated with this terrible disease.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to Richzeal’s family, friends and all who loved him.

"We share their grief at the loss of such a wonderful life. Richzeal had already given so much to the NHS and had so much more to give.

“Staff who worked with Richzeal will lead our entire organisation in a minute’s silence on Monday and we are opening a Book of Condolence for those who worked with Richzeal throughout his career to share their thoughts and memories.

“It is not possible to say where he contracted the disease, given the nature of the virus, and speculation would only intensify the grief of his family.

“We ask the media to respect the privacy of Richzeal’s family and our staff who both worked with him and cared for him as we come to terms with the enormity of our loss.”