Thread by @PeteKaliner

The Governor's COVID briefing begins in about 5 minutes.

As always, I'll be live-tweeting... so, my apologies to non- #NCpol folks!
:)

Here's the video link: ncdps.gov/news-conference

Governor enters, takes the podium, smiling, welcomes everyone, then runs down the case numbers & death toll of COVID.

#NCpol

Gov:
Lots of spread. Don't get numb to these numbers - that have plateaued over the last few weeks. But they are still too high.
Thanks for local gov't & LEO enforcing my orders.
Also, thoughts & prayers to cops shot in line of duty.

#NCpol

Gov:
Vaccines are arriving. About 230k total coming next week.
Duke officials told us yesterday that the most common side effect of the vaccine in joy!

#NCpol

Gov:
Double down on prevention - for the health care workers!
"C'mon guys. We can do this."
Warning about scams. Crooks trying to get people to sign up on a waiting list.
#NCpol

Cohen:
Moment of incredible highs & unfortunate painful lows.

>6,000 have died.
Record numbers in ICU.
All but 8 counties are red or orange.

#NCpol

Cohen:
65 counties in red = critical viral spread
27 are orange = substantial level of spread
8 yellow = significant spread

Red & orange residents should only go out for essentials.

#NCpol

Cohen:
I remain very worried but at the same time I full of hope.

>24,000 healthcare workers have received 1st dose of vaccine

Website has demographic breakdowns of who is getting the vaccine.

#NCpol

Gov:
We need to cancel holiday plans.

Best & safest = do your gathering virtually.
Keep it outside.
Always wear a mask.
Get a test before and after gatherings.

Churches have found a way to worship remotely.
Introduces two pastors.

#NCpol

Joe Castille (sp?) United Methodist preacher from Roanoke Rapids, NC.

Praises Cooper.
We've only offered virtual worship since March. The opportunity for people to stay home & be safe.
You can fast forward through the pastor sermon, too!

#NCpol

Preacher giving out phone numbers for people to call for support.

3 Ws
Stay home whenever possible.

#NCpol

Rev. White (?)
We've been only virtual for 10 months.
Create celebration in the midst of limitations. Some of us have never felt this. But indigenous people & African slaves found ways to do this.

#NCpol

Rev. White:
I'm thankful for Gov Cooper & huis team leading up.

Gov:
I hope many congregations will follow your lead.

#NCpol

Gov:
Difficult & painful year. Let's recommit to keeping each other safe.

Will now take questions from media.

#NCpol

Spectrum news reporter Q:
CDC guidance on prioritization of vax?

Gov:
We are now huddling to determine how our priority system might change.

Cohen:
We are looking at the ACIP recommendation. We will revise our prioritization.

#NCpol

Follow-up reporter Q:
When do you plan to get a vax?

Gov:
We'll follow priority list. When time is right, I'll get it. It's safe & effective.

#NCpol

WFAE reporter Q:
Anticipate any new restrictions or guidance for schools?

Gov:
We have given schools options. No plans to make any changes to our 3 current options.
Will work hard to slow spread of the virus.

#NCpol

N&O reporter Q:
Why wait until now to allow mixed drinks to go?

Gov:
#NCGA didn't act when it had the chance in last session. This will provide financial boost for bars & restaurants that are really hurting.

#NCpol

Follow-up reporter Q:
What are your plans to celebrate Christmas?

Gov:
Here at home with immediate family.

#NCpol

WNCN reporter Q:
Priority group 1A - when can they expect to get the Moderna vax? How do you choose which facilities get them first?

Gov:
Vax starts 12/28. Feds partnered with private pharmacies to administer. They are developing that schedule.

#NCpol

Folllow-up reporter Q:
Does state have a role in directing CVS & Wal-Greens?

Cohen:
Not really. We're happy to work with them & help. But it's on them.

#NCpol

Outer Banks Today reporter Q:
Is there a reason why hospitals are not reporting data for the website?

Cohen:
97% of hospitals reporting. The ones that aren't are military - which have different regs & requirements. NC in a stronger position to respond than other states.

#NCpol

Follow-up reporter Q:
Curfew for Thursday, for fear of drawing ire of my colleagues, how does curfew affect Santa?

Gov:
I'll be making an important announcement about exempting Santa. Who told me he would wear a mask.

#NCpol

WUNC reporter Q:
Which metrics are strongest for YOU in getting message out that people need to be careful?

Gov:
Case numbers.
Also, hospital capacity & ICU capacity.
Kudos to hospitals that learned from summer how to manage bed space.
#NCpol

Gov:
Please abide the protocols. We'll do what's necessary to keep people safe & keep hospitals from being overwhelmed.

Cohen:
We made the color-coded county map to help people understand their local conditions.
Limit your activities & trips outside the house.

#NCpol

WRAL reporter Q:
Have you considered travel restrictions?

Gov:
We have a number of strong protocols - mask mandate, capacity limits - if people abide them, it will help us control the situation.

Cohen:
CDC (and we) recommend no traveling.

#NCpol

Cohen:
A negative test is not a free pass.
You still have to wear a mask.

#NCpol

Follow-up reporter Q:
Hospital capacity is due to lack of staff or limited bed numbers?

Cohen:
Watching staff capacity. It's not a physical space limitation in NC.

(This was all covered at a previous briefing. -PK)

#NCpol

WITN reporter Q:
Surge after Thanksgiving. Will there be one after Christmas? What will you do if we see that?

Gov:
We did better than we thought we would do. We hope/think people listened to our recommendations.

#NCpol

WGHP reporter Q:
Restaurant owners worried that to go cocktails ExO is because more lockdowns coming.

Gov:
No plans now. But we'll do it if we need to.

<Briefing ends>

#NCpol