Public health officials say six COVID-19 patients at a long-term care home in Oshawa have died.

Glendene Collins of the Durham Region Health Department says 21 others at Hillsdale Terraces Long-Term Care home are confirmed to have the novel coronavirus.

Durham Region has seen 15 deaths in COVID-19 patients thus far, and seven have been in long-term care facilities.

Numerous long-term care facilities have become hot spots for the virus, most notably Pinecrest Nursing Home in Bobcaygeon, Ont.

As many as 23 residents of the 65-bed facility have died of COVID-19.

At least 24 staff members at the facility have also tested positive for COVID-19.

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