NC Gov's COVID briefing gets underway now.
He starts with rundown of case counts, hospitalizations, deaths.
ncdps.gov/news-conference
#ncpol
He starts with rundown of case counts, hospitalizations, deaths.
ncdps.gov/news-conference
#ncpol
Numbers are trending down.
But we must not let our guard down.
3Ws
Protecting public health has been top priority.
We took decisive & strong actions.
We've relied on science.
Now it's time to get kids back in classroom.
#ncpol
But we must not let our guard down.
3Ws
Protecting public health has been top priority.
We took decisive & strong actions.
We've relied on science.
Now it's time to get kids back in classroom.
#ncpol
Gov:
Our top priority has been getting kids back into the classroom.
Schools are where kids learn social skills. Get meals. Find their voices.
New research says in-person learning is safe - with protocols.
I urge all districts to provide in-person option.
#ncpol
Our top priority has been getting kids back into the classroom.
Schools are where kids learn social skills. Get meals. Find their voices.
New research says in-person learning is safe - with protocols.
I urge all districts to provide in-person option.
#ncpol
Gov:
Districts should still have option for remote - taught by teachers who are also at-risk.
Everyone has worked hard: Teachers, students & parents.
#ncpol
Districts should still have option for remote - taught by teachers who are also at-risk.
Everyone has worked hard: Teachers, students & parents.
#ncpol
Sec. of Health Mandy Cohen:
- NC has administered 1M vax
- Expanded our call center to answer Qs about vax --- 888-675-4567
- New way to check online for vax availability
- Livestream tonight with Rev. William Barber
#ncpol
- NC has administered 1M vax
- Expanded our call center to answer Qs about vax --- 888-675-4567
- New way to check online for vax availability
- Livestream tonight with Rev. William Barber
#ncpol
Cohen:
New research confirms earlier findings about low risks for kids in schools.
Children rarely transmit COVID to other kids or adults.
It comes down to strong safety protocols in schools.
#NCpol
New research confirms earlier findings about low risks for kids in schools.
Children rarely transmit COVID to other kids or adults.
It comes down to strong safety protocols in schools.
#NCpol
Supt. of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt:
Hard truth: Even with immediate action, we still face a difficult path. Kids were falling behind BEFORE the pandemic.
Health risks much lower than originally feared.
#NCpol
Hard truth: Even with immediate action, we still face a difficult path. Kids were falling behind BEFORE the pandemic.
Health risks much lower than originally feared.
#NCpol
Truitt:
Most teachers want to return. But they are held back by district policies they have little control over.
We hope this new guidance empowers students & teachers to return to classroom. Students cannot lose any more time.
#NCpol
Most teachers want to return. But they are held back by district policies they have little control over.
We hope this new guidance empowers students & teachers to return to classroom. Students cannot lose any more time.
#NCpol
NC Board of Ed Chairman, Eric Davis:
Despite heroic efforts of teachers, parents, and administrators -- kids are suffering.
Not enough of our students are receiving the benefit of in-person instruction.
Science is clear: It is safe to re-open schools with protocols.
#NCpol
Despite heroic efforts of teachers, parents, and administrators -- kids are suffering.
Not enough of our students are receiving the benefit of in-person instruction.
Science is clear: It is safe to re-open schools with protocols.
#NCpol
WFAE reporter Q:
Plan to reach residents with vax who cannot leave their homes?
Cohen:
We're working to reach them. Call local health departments. Vax are limited supply.
#NCpol
Plan to reach residents with vax who cannot leave their homes?
Cohen:
We're working to reach them. Call local health departments. Vax are limited supply.
#NCpol
CLT Biz Journal reporter Q:
What do you say to biz owners & citizens ahead of Super Bowl Sunday?
Gov:
Not a good idea to gather with non-household people. New COVID variants. Hope people won't do that. Stay home.
#NCpol
What do you say to biz owners & citizens ahead of Super Bowl Sunday?
Gov:
Not a good idea to gather with non-household people. New COVID variants. Hope people won't do that. Stay home.
#NCpol
WCNC reporter Q:
NC is still worst in USA in getting unemployment benefits to people. Why does it take a call from journalist or lawmaker to get people their money from DES?
Gov:
It shouldn't. We've given out millions. We need #NCGA to increase UI benefits.
#NCpol
NC is still worst in USA in getting unemployment benefits to people. Why does it take a call from journalist or lawmaker to get people their money from DES?
Gov:
It shouldn't. We've given out millions. We need #NCGA to increase UI benefits.
#NCpol
N&O reporter Q:
Will you sign the in-person learning bill moving through #NCGA?
Gov:
Districts wanted us to issue this guidance, so maybe more will do it.
I have concerns over that bill, though.
#NCpol
Will you sign the in-person learning bill moving through #NCGA?
Gov:
Districts wanted us to issue this guidance, so maybe more will do it.
I have concerns over that bill, though.
#NCpol
Follow-up reporter Q:
Will you veto? Will you force districts to follow your guidance.
Gov:
Let's give local Boards of Ed a chance to make these changes themselves. Local control is best.
#NCpol
Will you veto? Will you force districts to follow your guidance.
Gov:
Let's give local Boards of Ed a chance to make these changes themselves. Local control is best.
#NCpol
WRAL reporter Q:
Will teachers move up in vax priority list?
Gov:
Teachers are up next - in the "essential workers" category.
Studies show schools can be operated safely.
We need more vax from feds.
#NCpol
Will teachers move up in vax priority list?
Gov:
Teachers are up next - in the "essential workers" category.
Studies show schools can be operated safely.
We need more vax from feds.
#NCpol
Follow-up reporter Q:
Harris Teeter getting vax?
Gov:
Team is working on expanding number of providers. Biggest issue is not enough vax.
Cohen:
Need more vax.
#NCpol
Harris Teeter getting vax?
Gov:
Team is working on expanding number of providers. Biggest issue is not enough vax.
Cohen:
Need more vax.
#NCpol
AP reporter Q:
Why not mandate in-person? You already recommended Plan A before.
Gov:
We want kids back in school.
AP:
More fed vax sites under Biden?
Cohen:
No. But talking with FEMA.
Need more vax.
#NCpol
Why not mandate in-person? You already recommended Plan A before.
Gov:
We want kids back in school.
AP:
More fed vax sites under Biden?
Cohen:
No. But talking with FEMA.
Need more vax.
#NCpol
Follow-up reporter Q:
Why no EO today?
Gov:
Because districts want to know what state believes. We are giving them that guidance today. Let them make the decision accordingly.
#NCpol
Why no EO today?
Gov:
Because districts want to know what state believes. We are giving them that guidance today. Let them make the decision accordingly.
#NCpol
Spectrum reporter Q:
NCAE says they want teachers vax'd first.
Gov:
We want to get them vax'd ASAP. Research shows students can be safely back in classroom. That's our recommendation.
#NCpol
NCAE says they want teachers vax'd first.
Gov:
We want to get them vax'd ASAP. Research shows students can be safely back in classroom. That's our recommendation.
#NCpol
Follow-up reporter Q:
Wal-Greens federal program?
Cohen:
Federal Pharmacy Program using Wal-Greens. Will get vax this week. They will follow state's prioritization.
#NCpol
Wal-Greens federal program?
Cohen:
Federal Pharmacy Program using Wal-Greens. Will get vax this week. They will follow state's prioritization.
#NCpol
WUNC reporter Q:
What additional resources will be given to districts to help them restore in-person instruction.
Gov:
There will be enough teachers & students in every district. Significant funding has been provided by DPI.
Emergency Mgmt has provided PPE.
#NCpol
What additional resources will be given to districts to help them restore in-person instruction.
Gov:
There will be enough teachers & students in every district. Significant funding has been provided by DPI.
Emergency Mgmt has provided PPE.
#NCpol
Follow-up reporter Q:
If outbreaks get worse, would this decision signal a change in priority going forward?
Gov:
We'll do whatever it takes to protect health & safety. We'll follow science & data & advice from experts.
Schools should be last to close & first to open.
#NCpol
If outbreaks get worse, would this decision signal a change in priority going forward?
Gov:
We'll do whatever it takes to protect health & safety. We'll follow science & data & advice from experts.
Schools should be last to close & first to open.
#NCpol
Winston-Salem Journal reporter Q:
Recommending every grade every day in-person?
Cohen:
Baseline of screening & PPE protocols. Encourage districts to work with us to operationalize this.
#NCpol
Recommending every grade every day in-person?
Cohen:
Baseline of screening & PPE protocols. Encourage districts to work with us to operationalize this.
#NCpol
Follow-up reporter Q:
Effect on extra-curricular activity?
Cohen:
We have guidance on activities. Recommend against indoor contact sports (like basketball). Higher transmission in HS sports. Singing, shouting also increases rate of transmission.
#NCpol
Effect on extra-curricular activity?
Cohen:
We have guidance on activities. Recommend against indoor contact sports (like basketball). Higher transmission in HS sports. Singing, shouting also increases rate of transmission.
#NCpol
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