In the latest COVID-19 numbers from the province, there are 364 new cases of the virus reported Oct. 7, with 276 of these in Edmonton. 

According to Dr. Hinshaw, there are more than 1,250 cases active in Edmonton zone. Over the past week, the positivity rate has increased to 4%. The R value has increased as well, from 1 to 1.3. The R value is the number of new cases on average infected by each person who already has the virus.  

As she mentioned on Friday as well, about 11% of current cases went to work or attended gatherings while infectious. About two out of five (36%) of current cases were exposed by a close contact. Another 26% are linked to outbreak. Dr. Hinshaw says social gatherings and family gatherings continue to be a factor in spreading and they’ve seen several workplaces where it’s spread throughout employees. 

Dr. Hinshaw says we are facing a crucial juncture. While hospitals and intensive care units can support the current caseload, the acute care impact is a lagging indicator; it usually takes one to two weeks for a rise in cases to translate into rise in hospitalizations. 

Dr. Hinshaw announced today three new voluntary health measures to be put in place in Edmonton because of the increased cases numbers. She says they are voluntary because the city is still within bed capacity, but the data needs to be a wake-up call.  

The first is decreasing the gathering limit to 15 for family and private gatherings from 50. This doesn’t impact schools or more formal gatherings where the organizer is ensuring COVID-19 measures are in place.  

She is recommending masks be worn at all times in indoor work settings when not working alone, or barriers are in place. 

The last measure is limiting the number of cohorts people should be part of to three. These should be your core household, school, and no more than one other social, sport, or other cohort. In most cases, work should not be a cohort and distancing should be in place. Children in care may belong to four as childcare cohorts haven’t been shown to be high-risk for transmission and data shows young children are at a lower risk of spreading the virus 

Dr. Hinshaw wants others in the province to take note of what is happening in Edmonton and reminds residents to stay safe this weekend. She’s says this is not the time to plan large gatherings, travel long distances or share food or utensils with those outside their cohort.  

She recommends keeping thanksgiving small, safe and to protect one another. 

Watch the full update here: