OTTAWA -- The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit (LGLDHU) has issued a class order to place new restrictions on businesses and gatherings in the towns of Smiths Falls and Perth after a rise in COVID-19 cases. In a press release, the health unit said it detected "a significant increase of COVID-19 in West Lanark County with 36 active cases in the communities of Perth, Smiths Falls, Tay Valley and Lanark Highlands." Most of the cases were in Perth and Smiths Falls. "The Health Unit has observed inconsistent mask use and close environments (where a distance of 2 metres between individuals is not being maintained) as factors that are contributing to the spread of COVID-19 in local workplaces," the LGLDHU said in its release. "As well some individuals with COVID-19 are going to work with mild symptoms and infecting other co-workers."