As of Jan. 9, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that a 2019 novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) was identified by Chinese authorities. The virus was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.

Executive Director of CARPHA, Dr. Joy St. John said, “Presently, there have been no confirmed cases or reports of the 2019-nCoV in the Caribbean region, and based on current information, the immediate health risk from this virus to the general public remains low. CARPHA is monitoring developments and working closely with its international health partners to respond to this health threat and provide timely advice and support to the preparedness activities of Caribbean Member States.” Read more.

Click here for an extensive Coronavirus update.

Click here to view a guide of Coronavirus prevention and preparedness steps for travelers.

St. Thomas Cycleboats is celebrating its one year anniversary with a party and you’re invited! Grab your friends for the Water Island Tour on Feb. 16 from 1-4 p.m. The cycleboat will go to Water Island where guests will enjoy Royal Furs playing at Dighy's. In addition to St. Thomas Cycleboats’ famous rum punch, pizza and champagne will be served. The cost is $75 per person. Use coupon code “2020” when booking to receive a 15 percent discount for this trip. Book now at stthomascycleboats.com!

The Humane Society of St.Thomas (HSSTT) has reimagined its traditional Valentine’s Ball with a special Sunday brunch and silent auction at sparkling, reinvigorated The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas on Feb. 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Now more than ever HSSTT is reaching out to the community for support as the staff and volunteers care for the thousands of homeless animals passing through its doors annually. With limited inconsistent public funding, HSSTT is expected to perform the services that are routinely undertaken elsewhere by government agencies. This will be an event like no other with a fabulous silent auction featuring outstanding items donated by our very own generous merchants. And moving the festivities along will be the bubbly personality of Jay Matthews of Mazda/Honda/Acura, doing it all for St. Thomas’ animals! Ticket donation $150, limited to 175 guests. Reserve yours today by calling 340-513-1854 or online at: https://give.classy.org/hssttvalentinesbrunch. All proceeds benefit the animals in HSSTT’s care. For additional information please contact: Fundraising Committee Chair at 340-513-1854 or hsstt.valentines.brunch@gmail.com. Read full press release.

My Brother's Workshop has upped the ante for this year's Mystery Event! Join MBW for a night of sleuthing and fun at the 3rd Annual MBW Mystery Event on Feb. 8 at VI Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy. Food will be provided by MBW Cafe and Bakery and drinks will be available for purchase. The theme this year is Mystery in the Wild West. There will be fun carnival style games and poker games for prizes, live entertainment and don't forget about prizes for best dressed, best sleuth and best actors! Attendees are encouraged to dress in costume, but not required. Totally immerse yourself in this mystery experience or come as you are for the entertainment and fun! It will be a night of mystery and mayhem in the Wild West and all are invited to attend! Doors to the event will open at 7 p.m. and the mystery game begins at 7:30 p.m. Poker and Blackjack tables will be open from 8-10 p.m. Parking is at the St. Thomas Swimming Association and shuttles to and from VIMSIA will be running all night beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 each and all proceeds from the evening's event will go towards furthering the mission of MBW. Purchase your tickets here. The first 100 tickets purchased online will receive a free commemorative 12 ounce event tumbler engraved by our workshop.

The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism's Division of Festivals is calling on anyone interested in operating a food and beverage stall at the Food Fair during Carnival Virgin Islands on St. Thomas to contact the division for applications. Applications for the Food Fair are available through Feb. 26 at the Department of Tourism's St. Thomas office near the waterfront. The fair will take place on April 29 at Emancipation Garden, beginning at 8 a.m. For more information about Carnival Virgin Islands on St. Thomas, contact the Division of Festivals at usvifestivals@usvitourism.vi . Read more .

I love to see people who care about their craft. I also love seeing organizations that create a work environment where team members "want to" exceed expectations. As I've written previously, leaders can't make their staff deliver exceptional service. It's a choice that each person has to make every day, at every touchpoint. Read more .