The province is increasing pandemic restrictions in Lambton County after the number of cases in the area rose over the past week.

There have been 21 new cases of COVID-19 in Lambton in the last week. Right now, 15 people are sick with the virus. Public health officials say 404 people in the county have been diagnosed with COVID-19 since March.

The new cases move Lambton into the yellow or protect zone of the province’s framework for restrictions. Lambton had been the last health region in the green or prevent stage in southwestern Ontario

Many of the restrictions are the same including limits on private gatherings to 10 people indoors and 25 outdoors. Public events are limited to 50 people indoors and 100 outdoors. Religious services including weddings and funeral are capped at 30 per cent capacity of the room indoors.

Restaurants will now have to get contact information for all diners, not just one per table, last call will now be 11 pm and limit the volume of music so normal conversation is possible. They’ll also have to have a safety plan available for public health.

Sports and recreational facilities also face changes, the number of people in classes will drop to 10 indoors and 25 outdoors, and people using the equipment and weights have to be three meters apart instead of two. Contact information will be required for people watching, and space at the facilities will have to be reserved.

Meeting spaces including wedding venues will have to follow the 11 pm last call rule like bars and limit the number of people sitting together at six.

Personal care services will need to have contact information for their patrons and a safety plan as will casinos, bingo halls and cinemas.

Performing arts facilities that are open will have to follow the 11 pm last call restriction as well.