The remaining residents of a nursing home that was at the centre of a Covid outbreak were given an emotional send off by their carers today.

Members of staff from the Abbotswood home lined the street and clapped as ambulances ferried the residents to the Noble’s Hospital site.

They are being transferred to the Community Covid ward at Newlands and to the reconfigured former private patients unit.Six of Abbotswood's 15 remaining residents were moved today with the others to follow later this week.Health chiefs insist this is a temporary move, while places at other residential and nursing homes are chosen by residents and their families.

The DHSC took over the running of Abbotswood on Easter Monday following an outbreak of coronavirus.

Some 47 of the residents tested positive, including 19 whose lives were claimed by Covid.

Health Minister David Ashford said that his department had wanted to keep the residents at Abbotswood but it become clear this wasn’t possible.

He told a press briefing that terms were proposed by the owners of the care home over a lease of the building which would have allowed the department to carry on its operation.

But Mr Ashford said the offer was ’unacceptable’ and didn’t offer ’value for the taxpayer’.Those taking part in today's turn-out in support for Abbotswood urged passing motorists to sound their horns.Some staff members held up banners with messages including 'I care and am proud to be part of the Abbotswood team'.Those lining the street wore face masks and ensured they stayed two metres apart.A police officer attended the scene to ensure social distancing rules were complied with and the event did not constitute a 'gathering'.Before today's transfers, there were 12 former Abbotswood residents in Newlands.Mr Ashford told iomtoday: 'We would look to move them to other homes as soon as we can but there are processes that will need to be gone through first.'There will need to be an assessment to ensure that we find the right home for the individual needs for each patient.'Also they will only be moved once we are certain they are not Covid-19 positive and have been retested to show they have recovered.'