11 News has learned nine people have tested positive for COVID-19 at a single senior living center in Colorado Springs. Two of those people have died.

We first reported the outbreak of six patients testing positive on March 19. 11 News learned about the additional cases and deaths on Tuesday.

11 News started looking into the reports surrounding the Laurel Manor Care Center off Chelton near Fountain Boulevard on March 19. El Paso County Public Health confirmed the news that night.

“As a public health agency, we are committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Susan Wheelan, El Paso County Public Health director. “Our team became aware of these additional cases late this afternoon [March 19] and took immediate action to coordinate efforts with Laurel Manor Care Center and state partners to assess the situation and respond appropriately.”

El Paso County Public Health officials say they are working diligently to ensure ill patients are receiving the proper care while limiting further spread of disease. Proactive efforts are focused on identifying, isolating and testing all of those who may be at risk because of these new cases.

“Continued practice of social distancing and good respiratory hygiene is essential. With these efforts we can all help protect the people in our community who are most at risk for severe illness from COVID-19,” said Dr. Robin Johnson, El Paso County Public Health medical director.

11 News also reached out to the company tied to the living center, Volunteers of America when we first learned of the outbreak.

Communications Director for Volunteers of America David Burch sent the following to 11 News on Tuesday: