Thread by @PeteKaliner

It appears all of the Cooper Administration officials are wearing masks before they enter the room today...

#NCpol #NCGov

#NCGov: We asked schools to develop 3 plans a few weeks ago. Districts are still working on those. We want schools open for in-person instruction in August.
No statewide directive today.
"But we will soon."

#NCpol

#NCGov: We're delivering PPE to schools. Thanks to everyone in the schools. My mom was a teacher.
A few schools are scheduled to start in July. They should do remote learning until we tell them what the plan is.
We need everyone to do The Three Ws!

#NCpol

Sec. Cohen: COVID-19 is formidable. We're weighing risks like never before.
Emerging evidence is that going to schools is less risky in spreading the virus. Children are less likely to get infected & less likely to transmit it.

#NCpol #NCGov

Cohen: My dad was a teacher. We need to do The Three Ws... today is our highest number of cases yet.
Wear a mask if you love your parents!
Wear a mask if you want to have businesses re-open!
Wear a mask if you want kids to go back to school!

#NCpol #NCGov

Emergency Director Mike Sprayberry: Staying in a shelter is not a good option during this hurricane season, due to COVID-19. You're better off making arrangements to stay at a hotel or with friends or family if you need to evacuate an area.

#NCpol #NCGov

And now the questions from Approved Media.

First Q is from the AP: What's the timeline for school re-open announcement?

#NCGov: Next couple of weeks.

#NCpol

Q from WXII: Does a scenario exist where schools don't re-open? Also, any details on why we're seeing increased cases?

A: Yes, it's possible schools won't re-open. Full rundown of numbers will come tomorrow. But urban young adults are driving up case numbers.

#NCpol #NCGov

Q from WFAE: Is NC considering revising guidelines on schools based on Academy of Pediatrics or pushing back start date?

A: We learn more every day. Guidelines could change.

#NCpol #NCGov

Q from N&O: Why have you asked for concurrence from Council of State in the past if it's not required?
Also, tracking mask compliance.

A: I need flexibility. Sometimes I get approval. Sometimes I don't. I don't want the bureaucracy.

#NCpol #NCGov

Q: Watching GOP-led states closing?
Also, do you plan to sign SB168?

A: We watch trends. I hope we rally together.
I'm concerned about the bill. We're talking to #NCGA on how to fix.

#NCpol #NCGov

Q from ABC17: What happened to prompt you NOT to make your announcement today?

A: We're still learning. Need to get buy-in "across the board" before we make a decision.

#NCpol #NCGov

Q from ABC11: Did school districts express concerns about plans? A regional approach?
Also, is travel a concern now? Air travel = infections?

A: Some districts want flexibility & some want specific instructions.
Viral spread is driven by locals. Not visitors.

#NCpol #NCGov

Q from ABC11: Jacksonville now has a mask ordinance, so will you invite back #RNC2020 ?

A: We have to do hard work now because we don't want to go backwards like FL & AZ & TX.

#NCpol #NCGov

Q from WWAY: I still don't understand what changed that led you to cancel your announcement about schools.

A: We need to get more input from teachers & parents.

Press conference ends.

#NCpol #NCGov

And now you get an idea of why the Governor set up the Maestro system to screen reporters into different "teams."

These are the types of questions he gets.
/end

#NCpol #NCGov