Thread by @NC_Governor

Updates from Gov. Cooper's COVID-19 briefing:

https://twitter.com/NC_Governor/status/1356677657455439875

North Carolina has had 764,228 confirmed cases; 2,926 new cases reported since yesterday; 2,741 people in the hospital; and, sadly, 9,409 people who have died. We are praying for those who are fighting this virus and those who have lost loved ones and friends to COVID.

Today, we continue to see stabilization in our COVID numbers. The number of hospitalizations has dropped for 8 straight days, along with decreases in our confirmed cases and percent positive.

Although these numbers are still too high, we are encouraged. Still, we must not let our guard down and we all need to wear masks and practice social distancing any time we leave our homes.

Protecting public health has been the top priority since the start of this pandemic. We’ve taken decisive action to put strong safety protocols in place, including in our schools.

When the pandemic first hit in March, we moved to remote instruction to keep people safe from this virus we knew little about. We asked science and public health experts to develop safety plans to help students continue learning, whether in the classroom or at home.

Learning has continued. Educators, parents and students have persevered. We have learned much more about this virus. And now it is time to get our children back in the classroom.

Protecting the health and safety of the people of this state, especially our children and teachers, has been our goal. Since we went to all remote instruction at the beginning of the pandemic, our #1 opening priority has been getting our children safely back into the classroom.

School is important for reasons beyond academic instruction. School is where students learn social skills, get reliable meals, and find their voices. Teachers play an important role in keeping students safe by identifying cases of abuse, hunger, homelessness and other challenges.

At least 90 of our 115 school districts are providing in-person instruction for some or all of their students. What’s new is that research done right here in NC tells us in-person learning is working and that students can be in classrooms safely with the right safety protocols.

I'm joined by state education leaders to strongly urge that all schools provide in-person learning for students. It’s important schools follow the safety protocols laid out by @NCDHHS. That guidance reinforces in-person learning while maintaining strong public health measures.

Students should still have the option of remote learning this school if that is best for them. And teachers who are at risk should be providing that remote instruction. But students who are ready to return to the classrooms should have that chance.

This pandemic has tested us in different ways. But our educators and school staff have never stopped showing up for our students. Our teachers have worked to engage our students, whether remotely or in-person. Our custodial staff has worked to keep schools clean and safe.

Our bus drivers have gotten meals to students and taken them to and from school safely. I know how hard you are working and that your state appreciates deeply your extraordinary service.

Parents deserve a lot of credit and thanks. We know they've served as teacher assistants at home on top of their jobs and other responsibilities. Our students have worked hard to learn amid unprecedented challenges. I’m grateful for the way people have stepped up for our schools.

Our team and health officials have worked closely with the Department of Public Instruction and Superintendent Catherine Truitt, and the State Board of Education and its Chairman Eric Davis. We are committed to working together on this and you will hear from them in a moment.