On Jan. 14 an active outbreak of respiratory illness was announced on the third floor of the Trail hospital

Interior Health says the COVID-19 outbreak at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital (KBRH) in Trail is over.

The outbreak, which ended Jan. 23, resulted in 14 confirmed cases, according to an Interior Health spokesperson.

The KBRH outbreak was initially announced by Interior Health on Jan. 14 when it was reported that eight cases had been identified on the hospital's third floor.

"If you were thinking of visiting ... please consider postponing your visit until the outbreak is over," the health authority advised at the time. "This will help keep you and your loved one healthy."

Mask mandate reinstated

In response to rising cases of respiratory illnesses, including influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, the Ministry of Health reinstated mandatory medical mask requirements in certain health-care settings as of Jan. 6.

The directive applies to health-care workers, visitors, contractors, and volunteers in facilities operated or contracted by provincial health authorities.

These settings include hospitals, long-term care homes, outpatient clinics, and ambulatory care centres.

"Masks will be required in patient care areas, such as waiting rooms, emergency rooms, home and community care locations (including a client's home), and ambulances," the ministry stated.