Thread by @APDillon_

Gov. Cooper's Coronavirus Task Force updates are starting
He's expected to open schools for in-person instruction.

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

nsjonline.com/article/2021/0…
#ncpol

Gov. Cooper: We are seeing stablization of number. We need to wear a mask at all times when leaving our homes.
Says they took "decisive action" even in schools...

#ncpol

Gov: Learning has continued. We've learned more.
"Now it is time to get our children back in the classroom."

We need to keep students and staff safe.
Says it has been their number one priority to get kids back in school.
#nced #ncpol

Gov: Says 90 districts are providing some in person instruction right now.

[It's more like 60.]
#ncpol

Gov: We want to open all schools for in person learning; students who are ready to go back should have that chance.
Says teachers at risk should continue remotely, students should also have that choice.
#ncpol

Gov: Our team and health officials have worked closely with DPI and Supt. Catherine Truitt as well as the State Board Chairman Eric Davis.

Cohen now speaking.
#ncpol

Cohen touts 1M vaccinations threshold and the website rolled out to find where you can get a shot.
Supply is limited. You may have to wait.
Mentions Fireside chat with Rev. Barber
#ncpol

Cohen turns back to schools: Claims they allowed schools to go back last July.

That is not accurate. The gov. said Plan B or C, which let districts stay closed under C.
#ncpol

Cohen cites CDC. Says NC is an example they cite. Using mitigation strategies NC schools that were open had no child-adult transmission.

There were 11 schools. Read more here:
nsjonline.com/article/2021/0…

Gov. brings Supt. Truitt to speak - Hard truth, even with immediate action, we face a challenging pathway ahead.
Says most kids are behind, will be worse after a full year of it. #ncpol

Truitt: Mental health and well-being of kids negatively impacted.
Health risks of in-person are not as dangerous as initially thought.
Says students are being "held back by district-wide policies of which they have no input"

Truitt says she hopes NCDHHS guidance given today will get districts to open up.
"Our students cannot lose any more time."

Given what Truitt just said, it sounds like DHHS is just going to update its guidance document and the Governor won't issue EO opening schools.
That is not encouraging.
#ncpol

Board of Ed Chair Davis now speaking.
Says "it is imperative schools reopen for in-person instruction."
"The science is clear. It is safe to reopen our schools in accordance with safety protocols."
#ncpol

Q&A now going on.
Waiting for one on exactly how schools are being directed to open up.
#ncpol

Colleague @PeteKaliner does a good job recapping questions. Start here:

https://twitter.com/PeteKaliner/status/1356683349264379904

#ncpol

INBOX JUST NOW: NCAE says if Gov. Cooper is going to open up, then educators need to be put to the top of the vaccination list.

The statement also says they've been "eager" to resumed in-person instruction. That's contrary to all NCAE actions to date.
#ncpol

Gov. asked about SB37, claims he has seen it and it "strips out health safety measures," but the bill doesn't do that. In fact, it cites DHHS's guidance.
Gov says he doesn't think that a bill is the "way to go."
#ncpol
#ncpol #ncga

Gov. seems to be in favor of local boards making the decision - yet the reason for SB 37 is because boards are not taking action.

#ncpol #ncga

On the lack of EO, Cooper said NCDHHS guidance is updated and the districts can decide.
In other words, there is no direct order to reopen schools from the governor.

#ncpol

Article updated to include NCDHHS toolkit update and NCAE pushback.

#ncpol #nced
nsjonline.com/article/2021/0…