🌱 USVI Leads In Sex Trafficking Cases, COVID Surge May Be Over

COVID-19 cases are decreasing, but the virus still managed to shut down the air traffic control tower at Cyril E. King airport on Monday. Those stories and more are below. Don't miss the social highlights.

• According to the 2020 Federal Human Trafficking Report, the U.S. Virgin Islands federal courts handled more sex trafficking cases than any other state on a per capita basis, via The Source.
• The air traffic control tower at Cyril E. King Airport closed for several hours on Monday. The V.I. Port Authority released a statement that the tower was closed due to staffing shortages caused by COVID-19. VIPA also warned of a chance of flight delays due to the closure, via The Source.
• Governor Bryan Delivered his final State of the Territory for this term in office. The VI Consortium streamed the address.
• The latest - and worst - outbreak of COVID-19 may be subsiding. The number of active cases is trending down and the positivity rate has dropped to 9.45 percent, via theVI Consortium.
• Local Jobs: Check Out Who's Hiring (USVI Patch)

Last week, we told you about our new favorite non-alcoholic go-to — the refreshingly bitter drinks from our partners at Betera. They’re chef-created from natural botanicals, lightly effervescent and worthy of life beyond “Dry January.” We mentioned that their Ginger-Orange was excellent; we’ve since tried Elderflower-Lime and loved it as well — light and floral with the perfect amount of zing. We're converts.

Enough of you took Betera up on their 15% discount on first orders for Patch Daily readers that they’ve extended the offer for another week. Use PATCH15 at checkout. Highly recommended — try Betera here.

Weather: Sunshine with a shower. High: 82 Low: 74.

Today's Events:

• Downtown Walking Tour - St Thomas History (9:00 a.m.)

Social Highlights:

• Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation: We are Slowly making our way back outside! Ages 8-13 Tennis clinics are open for registration! $25 registration fee. Clinics start February 1st! Register from 8am-6pm at Reinholdt Jackson Office, DC Canegata Office, or DSPR’s main office on St.Croix. (Facebook)
• This week in the Park! Explore, experience, and learn! (Facebook)
  • Tuesday & Thursday (9 a.m.) — Turtle Info Table.
  • Wednesday (8 p.m.) — Night Sky Watch at Annaberg with a Ranger.
  • Friday (9 a.m.) — Hike Salt Pond to Ram Head.
  • Friday (12 p.m.) — Friends Annual Meeting.
• Lost dog on St. John: "Found this dog on Estate Chocolate hole. It almost was hit by water truck by entrance to Hart Bay Trail. Call 651-387-2363. She is safe with me. Walking her down road hoping to find her home. Collar is on but no tag." (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.