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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed a proclamation Monday hoping to slow the spread of the upper respiratory virus. 

It limits the size of groups to fewer than 50 people, the current CDC recommendation.  

And while food delivery and curbside pickup will continue for now, the state is closing down restaurant dining rooms and bars beginning at 9 p.m. Monday night.  

“I know there are people all over who get their paychecks,” Pritzker said at a news conference. “My administration has expanded unemployment for those not covered by paid sick leave, or who are unable to work due to COVID-19.”

At the same news conference, health officials announced 12 new cases of COVID-19 across the state, bringing the total to 105 cases.

Two additional counties are now reporting cases — Peoria and Will — bringing the number of counties with cases to 15. Other locations with cases include Chicago and Champaign, Clinton, Cook, Cumberland, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Sangamon, St. Clair, Whiteside, Winnebago, and Woodford counties.   

The Will County Health Department has established a hotline for coronavirus-related questions, available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday at 815-740-8977.

Cases have occurred in all age ranges and the number of cases that do not have a clear connection to travel or a known COVID-19 case is increasing.

Pritzker also stated that Illinois’ primary election won’t be postponed.

Pritzker pointed to Tuesday’s election as a touchstone of normalcy in a chaotic time. His state public health director reported that the number of cases in Illinois has hit 105 in 15 counties.

“This is the right thing to do. Our democracy needs to go on, we need to elect leaders,” Pritzker said. “If we cancel these elections, when would you have an election?”