HEALTH and Safety inspectors are investigating the death of a hospital nurse who contracted the Covid-19 virus.

An inquest into the death of 51-year-old Rizal Manalo, who worked on Ward 5 at Glan Clwyd Hospital, was opened on Tuesday by John Gittins, coroner for North Wales East and Central.

The father-of-two, who was married to Agnes, was known as “Zaldy”. He was admitted to the hospital on May 25 and died in the Intensive Care Unit on June 14.

Born in the Phillippines, he moved to North Wales in 2001 and was popular among his colleagues.

Karen Davies, a matron on Ward 5, described him as “a caring and compassionate member of the team, a true gentleman”.

Mr Gittins said a full inquest was needed because it was likely that Mr Manalo, of Vezey Street, Rhyl, had acquired the virus in his workplace and issues such as the availability of personal protection equipment needed to be considered.

“Further enquiries are being conducted by the Health and Safety Executive,” he said.

Adjourning the inquest to a date to be fixed, he added: “It may take a little time.”