Area COVID-19 Dashboard for December 23, 2021

Since The Sentinel's last update on December 21, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District reports three deaths attributed to Covid-19. This month, there have been nine deaths with victims ranging between 50 to 100 years old.

The county public health department also reports an increase of active cases over the past two days to 2,497. On December 21, there were 2,087 active cases.

Within The Sentinel's area of coverage, the county reports 304 residents have tested positive for the virus since Tuesday.


Active Champaign County Cases:

2,497

Net change in the county: 410



Current local cases 12/21/21
Number in parenthesis indicates change over previous report on 12/21/21

Ogden • 34 (3)
Royal • 2 (1)
St. Joseph • 94 (28)
Urbana • 761 (249)
Sidney • 34 (4)
Philo • 18 (5)
Tolono • 66 (11)
Sadorus • 10 (1)
Pesotum • 13 (2)


Total Active Local Cases:

1,032

Net change in local cases: 187



Total Local Confirmed Cases: 13,214

New cases: 304


The information on this page is compiled from the latest figures provide by the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District at the time of publishing. Active cases are the number of confirmed cases reported currently in isolation. Local is defined as cases within the nine communities The Sentinel covers.

Spend less money, entertain more this holiday season

Nicole De Khors/Burst


(StatePoint) -- There is nothing like gathering with family and friends sharing the ups and downs of the past year and plans for the upcoming one.

The holiday season brings an abundance of feelings that may include joy, comfort, gratitude, and unfortunately, stress. Don’t let the task of entertaining friends and family break the bank or your back.

Instead, create memorable gatherings with loved ones while saving time and money in the process using these hosting tips from the experts at Dollar General:

Delicate Décor
Creating the right ambiance in your space is key to holiday decorating success. Begin by decluttering the areas of your home where you plan to entertain. Fill the extra spaces with seasonal decorations. Remember, elaborate, expensive items aren’t always needed to make a home look amazing. Decorations like small figurines, bowls filled with holiday candy or simple wreaths and garlands can do the trick of transforming your home into a winter wonderland!

Fruitful Food
With more guests comes more food, but it doesn’t have to mean spending more money. Shopping at discount retailers for essentials such as milk, eggs, bread and cheese can help stretch your budget. You can also make the switch to private brand items and save even more when buying foods for overnight guests, such as granola bars, cereal and snacks. Consider purchasing these household basics from a local Dollar General store, which also provides digital coupons to help you save even more.

Supplies Stock-Up
Of course, to entertain, you will need supplies. Stocking up on cleaning essentials, everyday cooking ingredients and entertaining basics early in the season is a great way to have everything needed before the party begins. Consider adding items such as trash bags, cutlery, paper products, other decorations and even small gifts.

By using smart shopping strategies, you can entertain during the holidays with ease instead of stress.


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