Eight cases confirmed in COVID-19 outbreak at Trail hospital
Published 1:09 pm Tuesday, February 3, 2026
A COVID-19 outbreak involving eight cases has been declared on the third-floor medical unit at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital.
Interior Health said the outbreak was declared Jan. 30 and that infection prevention and control measures are in place.
Those measures include enhanced cleaning and disinfection, the use of personal protective equipment and restrictions allowing essential visitors only, the health authority told the Trail Times on Tuesday.
Interior Health is also urging the public not to visit patients if they are feeling unwell or have recently been in contact with someone who is ill.
During an outbreak, signs are posted at unit and facility entrances, and some activities or outings may be cancelled.
Staff may wear gowns, gloves and masks when providing care.
Patients may be encouraged to remain in their rooms, eat meals separately or reschedule non-urgent medical appointments. Those who require additional treatment may be transferred within the hospital.
Patients who are not ill may still attend other facilities for medically necessary appointments, such as cancer treatments or specialist visits.
Respiratory illnesses are typically caused by viruses or bacteria and are most often spread through droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Those droplets can enter the eyes, nose or mouth of another person or contaminate surfaces such as doorknobs, countertops, clothing and hands.
Symptoms can include a new or worsening cough and fever, as well as weakness, a runny nose, sore throat or headache.
Interior Health continues to urge frequent handwashing and other basic infection-control measures to help limit the spread of respiratory illness.
Interior Health’s website maintains an updated list of active facility outbreaks at hospitals and long-term care facilities regulated under the Hospital Act or licensed under the Community Care and Assisted Living Act.
Facilities are removed from the list once outbreaks are declared over.