🌱COVID-19 Cases Take A Dive, Options For Caneel Bay + More

COVID-19 cases are down but the infection rate is still high. Plus: voice your input on the future of Caneel Bay, back-to-school guidelines and...mini ponies.

And do not miss the list of best books about the Virgin Islands, as recommended on Facebook.

• As of January 19, there are 1,424 active COVID-19 cases in the territory, which is significantly down from just a few days ago. The Dept. of Health warned, however, that although the number of active cases is dropping due to people recovering, there is still a high infection rate. That means you still have a good chance of interacting with someone who is infected. The Department of Health also confirmed three additional deaths from COVID-19, bringing the territory total to 94, via the VI Consortium.
• The National Park Service wants the public to weigh in on how to best redevelop Caneel Bay, via The Source. The 150-acre property, which has been closed since the hurricanes of 2017, could be a rebuilt as high-end resort. Other options released by the Park Service include a "mid-range overnight experience" or just opening the property for hiking and beach access. “We developed a preliminary range of options that prioritize the protection of resources and expand public access to Caneel Bay,” said Virgin Islands National Park Superintendent Nigel Fields. “Civic engagement is an important part of the redevelopment process. We look forward to receiving the public’s feedback as we work together to create the best possible future for Caneel Bay.”
• Government House released 5 key updates that parents and students should know about returning to in-person classes on January 24:
  • All public school students and school-based employees must undergo COVID-19 testing before returning to in-person learning.
  • The Department of Health will begin testing groups of students and school-based staff on January 19. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated are required to be tested.
  • A testing schedule will be mailed to students and employees. Parents may download the COVID-19 testing consent form at www.vide.vi, click the "COVID-19 Forms" tab.
  • COVID-19 testing is free of charge. VIDE food workers, custodians and monitors who did not test between January 10-14 are required to test on January 19.

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Weather: A shower; breezy in the a.m.. High: 83 Low: 75.

Today's Events:

• Sign online for the AARP-VI Yoga Class (9:00 a.m.)
• Check out Trivia Thursdays with Virgin Islands Comedy Club in St. Thomas (9:00 a.m.)
• Mark Wallace and Eva Chinn are playing Lovongo Rum Bar in St. John (5:00 p.m.)
• Don't miss Art Thursday in Christiansted, St. Croix tonight! (5:00 p.m.)
• Mama's Black Sheep is playing at Blues' Backyard BBQ in St. Croix (5:30 p.m.)

Social Highlights:

• "What’s a great book to read about the history of the Usvi?" Recommendations include Don't Stop the Carnival by Herman Wouk, Land of Love and Drowning by Tiphanie Yanique, Marriage of Opposites by Alice Hoffman, and "A History of the Virgin Islands of the United States" by Isaac Dookhan, Richard B. Sheridan. (What's Going on St.Thomas?)
• "We have a new grower on the market this week, welcome to Andy’s Garden. He’s got lots of bok choy available still for order today. The market closes at 5 PM so be sure to get in your order in time for pick up tomorrow! Stt.locallygrown.net" (St. Thomas Online Farmers Market)
• Let's end on a high note: Did you know you can rent a mini horse for special events? Check out Connors Farms. (Facebook) Photo credit: Connors Farms Pets & Aquariums.

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— Ashleigh Baldwin

About me: I'm the Patch Community News Editor for the U.S. Virgin Islands. I'm here to provide news you can use. Do you have a news tip, question or feedback? Please contact me at ashleigh.baldwin@patch.com.