The welfare of residents at the Abbotswood care home is more important than investigations at this stage.

Chief Minister Howard Quayle outlined some of the work being carried out by the Department of Health and Social Care after it ’stepped in’ to help run the home.

Since the outbreak of Covid-19 in the island, 21 people have died, of which 18 were connected were with Abbotswood.

Mr Quayle said: ’The situation on the island remains mixed.

’We have been faced with the heartbreaking developments at Abbotswood. This has been a terrible tragedy for our community.

’My thoughts and prayers are with all of those who have lost loved ones.’

He added that while Tynwald members are seeking answers about the home, due to ongoing investigations, he cannot say much more.

’Our priority at the moment has been the welfare of the residents at Abbotswood’, he said.

The Chief Minister also said that since stepping in to help at the care home, the DHSC’s staff is assisting with both clinical and non-clinical roles such as laundry, deep cleaning and maintenance work.