Dr. Deena Hinshaw says people continuing to go to work or socializing when awaiting test results is one of the factors leading to rising COVID-19 case numbers in Alberta.

"About 11 per cent of cases are attending work or still going to social gatherings when symptomatic while awaiting test results. This is a significant risk and one of the factors causing our case numbers to rise," she said in providing this afternoon's update.

"I want to be clear, if you are sick, you need to stay home. If you are sick, you should not go to social gatherings of any kind. This includes the upcoming thanksgiving weekend."

There are now seven known active cases of COVID-19 in the Town of Cochrane and 19 in Rocky View County.

Should the number of cases rises to 10 or more, face coverings will be required in all indoor public spaces.

In today's update, statistics compiled up until the end of Oct. 4, there are now 1,783 active cases in Alberta, up from the 1,596 reported to the end of Sept. 30. A total of 378 new cases were identified from Friday to Saturday.

The outbreak at Calgary's Foothills Hospital is one of the major reasons for the climbing numbers. As well, she expressed concern over the increase in cases in the Edmonton area, and says Alberta Health Services will be closely examining the reason why.

Sixty-two people are hospitalized, including 14 in intensive care. There have been 280 deaths, up by 10 since the Sept. 30 update.