🌱 Omicron Impact, Two Men Shot At Red Brick Beach + More

We're looking at 786 active cases of Covid-19, as of Monday evening. And that's just confirmed cases. The good news is that the illness caused by Omicron appears to be mild. The bad news is that it might be sending more children to the hospital. Read on for that story and more.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 83 Low: 75.

Top Stories:

1. The highly-contagious Omicron variant is driving the surge in Covid-19 cases across the U.S. and while the illness appears to be mild, it also appears to be affecting more children. Read more in the New York Times.
2. Two men were shot near Red Brick Beach on Monday, one of them is confirmed dead. The second victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds and is being treated at the Juan F. Luis Hospital. VIPD says they have a person of interest in custody. Read more on the VI Consortium.
3. Multiple government agencies are closing or adjusting their hours of operations in light of the latest COVID surge, including the BMV. See the full list on the VI Consortium.
4. Lovongo Resort + Beach Club just got a nice little write-up in Forbes: "You Can Now Stay In A Luxury Tent Or Treehouse On This Private Island In The U.S. Virgin Islands" (Forbes)

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Today's Events:

• Wednesdays with Wayne at Lovango Rum Bar and Distillery (5:00 p.m.)
• Center for Caribbean Economic Empowerment Launch Party (7:00 p.m.)
• Sparky Mark & The Funky Bunch at Nauti Bar and Grille in Christiansted (7:00 p.m.)
• Trivia at Hotel on the Cay in Christiansted (7:00 p.m.)

Social Buzz:

• There are 786 active cases of COVID-19 in the USVI as of Monday, December 27. That's up 242 new cases since Christmas Day. (VI Dept. of Health)
• Unfortunately, due to the increasing number of Covid 19 cases in the territory Governor Bryan has postponed our upcoming Festival events... (Facebook)
• Cinnamon Bay will be open to overnight guests on January 22, 2022. The website is now live and taking reservations. (Facebook)
• Due to staff members testing positive for Covid-19, the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center will be CLOSED to the public starting today, Tuesday, Dec. 28. (Facebook)
• Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge has a new visitor experience available, a bird blind! This small structure sits on the edge of the west end salt pond and allows visitors to enjoy bird watching without any disturbance to the birds! (Facebook)

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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.