Laurel Manor Care Center to close in November

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - The Laurel Manor Care Center in Colorado Springs is closing its doors at the start of November, according to a statement from the facility to KRDO Friday.

"Laurel Manor Care Center will close later this year, as the non-profit considers new options to meet the growing demand for a wider range of housing choices for senior citizens in the Colorado Springs area," a spokesperson from Volunteers of America National Services (VOANS) said.

This comes as an investigation continues into a COVID-19 outbreak at the facility on S. Chelton Drive that's resulted in 8 confirmed deaths, and 6 unconfirmed but probable deaths.

There are currently three positive residents and one positive staff member with COVID-19 at the facility, the El Paso County Department of Public Health told KRDO Friday.

In total there have been 42 confirmed cases at the facility, 25 residents, and 17 staff members since the outbreak started in March. There have also been 44 unconfirmed but probable cases, 15 residents, and 29 employees, according to state health department data.

When questioned, a spokesperson for Laurel Manor did not say whether the current outbreak at the facility held any weight in its decision to close.

VOANS said it'll work closely with Laurel Manor residents to find them a new home.

"Our team will engage in an in-depth evaluation process for each resident so that we can identify the facilities in the Colorado Springs region that are the best fit for their individual needs," said Sharon Wilson-Geno, VOANS Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

The company also said it'll work with employees to identify employment opportunities at other area facilities when Laurel Manor closes.

We'll have more on this story tonight on KRDO at 5 and 6 p.m.