>> Well good afternoon, everybody and thank you for joining today's update on COVID-19 as of today we have had 802,065 lab confirmed cases.

2,786 new cases reported since yesterday.

2,374 people in the hospital and sadly 10,004 to 6 people who died.

We passed the grim milestone of 10,000 deaths in North Carolina.

And it's a stark reminder of how dangerous this virus can be.

Our prayers are with those who've lost loved ones to this cruel disease.

Our numbers though remain stable which is good.

We're encouraged to see a continued decline and our hospitalizations and percentage of positive COVID-19 tests still we must keep our guard up.

This virus and its variants are still spreading too easily.

Doing the simple things that we know work like wearing a mask and social distancing will slow the spread and save lives until vaccines are more widely available.

Distributing vaccine quickly and equitably remains our top priority in North Carolina.

We continue running an efficient vaccine distribution and are getting all of North Carolina's allocated first doses into arms each week.

Before we receive the next shipment.

I'm grateful for the work of our Department of Health and Human Services and the vaccine purse Ott providers across the state who delivering this lifesaving vaccine.

As quickly as possible.

Speed is critical.

They're also emphasizing equity.

Communities of color have been disproportionately impacted by this devastating pandemic and the state is working to reduce the high rates of sickness that this population is experiencing.

The health care coverage gap in North Carolina has left many without access to a doctor.

Add to that longstanding systemic inequities in our health care system.

And you get you can get mistrust of this vaccine as well as lack of preventive care.

We're working to address those inequities.

We can start by making sure that every community has access to these vaccines.

And that means making a conscious effort to track the data.

And seek fairness in vaccine distribution.

When North Carolina received its first allocations of doses.

We sent them to every single County in the state.

And our team has ramped up efforts to include vaccine providers that serve communities of color.

They're reaching out to underserved communities and paying attention to equity and how they allocate doses, including weekly vaccine events.

And it's important to let the public know exactly what we're doing.

North Carolina has been recognized nationally for our work sharing data about race and ethnicity with action nations and confirmed COVID-19 cases down to the county level.

And the department will continue to make this information widely available.

Doctor Mandy Cohen our secretary of Health and Human Services has led this effort and she'll talk more about that.

Those in a few minutes, those steps that we're taking in a few minutes.

North Carolina is making some progress in improving improving vaccine access for black North Carolinians although we have more to do.

Last week 18% of vaccines were administered African Americans up from 11% for weeks earlier that's a 65% increase.

This is an improvement.

But there is more work to be done when North Carolina's population is 22% black.

Also in our Latin X community vaccination rates have been especially low.

Today I'm issuing executive order 193 which will extend previous orders giving the Department of Health and human service secretary.

The ability to temporarily waive industry regulations in order to speed vaccine distribution.

Today's order gives the department the authority to expand the types of providers to administer the vaccines.

As the state continues to fight the pandemic and protect North Carolinians.

I'm ordering today state officials to marshal all of the state resources, including property facilities and personnel upon request by the North Carolina Department of Health human services to help with vaccination efforts as our supply continues to increase coming in.

We know that they're still not enough vaccine supply to vaccinate the millions of people who need it not by a long shot.

We're pushing for more and today on a call with the by the administration's coronavirus team.

We were told North Carolina would get another 5% increase in vaccine supply this week.

That's good.

Now I know all of this is hard and I want people to know that I'm committed to making sure that vaccine gets to every North Carolinian.

As quickly and as fairly as possible.

And in the meantime please we have to keep wearing mask and doing the things we know work to slow the spread of the virus.

If we keep doing what works I know we'll get through this.

At this time Ali fight doctor Mandy Cohen to share an update on our vaccine rollout and particularly as it relates to equity Doc code.

>> Thank you governor.

While our numbers continue to trend downward.

We still see very high levels of virus across North Carolina.

Our most powerful tools to help protect ourselves and our loved ones.

Our practice, those 3 W's and get vaccinated when it's your turn.

As of today more than one 0.4 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been given in our state.

North Carolina vaccine providers have done a phenomenal job of getting vaccines to people using all first doses each week before the next shipment comes.

You can see this on our dashboard which we are now updating daily Monday to Friday.

You can also see our on our dashboard that we have work to do when it comes to equity.

We are committed to doing better and are already seeing some improvements as the governor shared this past week, 18% vaccines administered in the state have gone to a black or African American population, up from 11% the week of January 13th.

We have more work to do as mentioned in our Latin X Hispanic community where rates remain far too low.

Our work starts with transparency and accountability and I'm proud to share that we were one of the first states to provide race and ethnicity data for vaccines administered and are now providing that data at the county level.

We are already acting on this day to buy in betting equity into our vaccine allocation process.

First we're making sure that vaccines are available in all 100 counties each and every week.

Second we're getting additional vaccines to counties with higher numbers of low income adults over the age of 65 or higher numbers of historically marginalized populations, 65 and older.

3rd we're giving vaccines to providers who reach rural and marginalized communities such as community health clinics.

And finally we're setting aside a portion of our weekly vaccine allocation for events that focus on underserved communities.

We also have ex pay expectations are vaccinating providers.

We expect that the percentage of vaccine administered to historically marginalized populations in that County meet or exceed that County's population estimates.

We're also asking vaccine providers along with the public and private sectors to work together in new ways.

We have formed a dedicated team to provide technical assistance to vaccine providers and to help facilitate partnerships so that everyone can achieve both speed and equity.

Let me share a few examples of what this looks like in practice.

Biden has a collaborative effort with East Carolina University Pitt County community organizations and faith-based organizations at the Greenville Convention center that is off to a great start vaccinating about 1500 people a day with 30% of those who are receiving vaccine being african-american.

Wake med in the wake County Public Health Department partnered with churches and community centers to reach underserved communities in one particular zip code with about a 150 volunteers they vaccinated almost 1800 people of whom 91% identified as black or african-american.

And in Charlotte novant health partnered with the park church one of the largest African American churches in Charlotte to host a large vaccination event.

A tree and mobile unit has provided vaccines to more than 1800 community members of whom 61% were black African American and 10% were Latin X Hispanic.

This week these mobile units are reaching rural communities in Stanley Anson in Cleveland counties.

Linking community Health Center Dale fell Health Center a GAAP a health services and many other community health centers had been using more than 60% of their vaccines for black African American populations.

These success stories show there are many different ways to ensure equitable access to vaccines if everyone is focused on the goal and is held accountable to it.

We know that some people still have questions about the vaccine itself, we're equally committed to engaging communities as partners and working with trusted voices to share accurate information as well as their personal experiences, I'm so pleased that commissioner Evans is here with us today to provide his perspective.

The most significant challenge we face is that there's just not enough vaccine available.

Supplies remain low, which means that many people have to wait and I know that that is frustrating.

With new vaccines on the horizon and projections of increasing supplies, we will be able to vaccinate more people in the coming months.

Everyone will have a spot to take their shot.

Thank you governor.

>> Thanks for your leadership doctor Cohen.

All now recognize the honorable Charles Evans who's the president of the North Carolina Association of black County officials and the chairman of the Cumberland County Board of commissioners chairman evidence.

Thank you governor.

Good afternoon.

I'm Charles that is president of North Carolina Association of black County officials.

>> And chairman or come in County Board of commissioners.

Has been almost a year since lives changed because of the virus.

COVID-19 send us home for my work place in our schools.

We are in a battle.

And protective armor against this virus has included face mask.

Keep an eye distances from people and washing our hands.

This battle is raging on.

We have lost more than 10,000 people across North Carolina to this virus.

And my heartfelt sympathies go out to their families.

Health departments.

Hospital systems and other providers across the state working hard to vaccinate as many about says this is as possible.

I am here today to encourage everyone, especially of this who are black or brown to get the vaccine when your time comes supplies a very limited now.

So there may be a wait.

But everyone will be able to get their shot as supplies increase.

It is free to everyone.

Blacks make up 21% of our population in North Carolina.

But only 13% of the vaccines given have gone into black arms.

Tipper said about population this is spending in North Carolina.

But only 2% of the vaccine is given have gone into Brown arms.

Some black and brown citizens made mistress the vaccine.

And I understand y based on longstanding and continuing racial win at the injustices in our health care system.

I trust the vaccines because they have been tested.

They are safe and effective.

If we are going to gain control of our lives.

We need to get vaccinated I want to encourage everyone to get the vaccine.

For yourself.

For your family and for others who live and work around you.

I certainly understand the concern was getting a vaccine.

But when it's my turn to get it.

I will.

I'm ready to take the shot.

To understand the fear.

The Dow S that this is that people of color have.

M#*#*#*#* Gestion to you would be.

To pray about this decision.

Talk to your doctor.

Your family and the friends, you trust.

I hope you will come to the same conclusion idea it.

That these vaccines save lives.

Remember.

Change starts with each of us.

Change starts with rolling up our sleeves staking out our arms and taking our shot.

The impact will be felt.

But entire community and beyond God bless.

Thank you governor Cooper.

Thank you chairman evidence inspiring we appreciate your words.

Also with me today is commissioner of prisons Todd issue and director of emergency management Mike sprayberry.

Monica mcgee and Bryan Tipton our sign language interpreters and behind the scenes, Jackie and jasmine mccabe year.

>> Our Spanish language interpreters.

We'll be glad to take questions from the media.

And if you can identify yourself and your organization.

We will take the first question.

>> Our first question is from dawn Vaughn with the news and observer.

>> I'm Jon Bon was a newsman forever.

And today, the retail merchants Association told how talk you need that members any more information about when the state plans to start the front line workers vaccinations and I know it moment said that he had a finest ration of theirs.

Little higher percentage of that team coming as their information you can get the front line workers that are able to get the vaccine and then also I wanted to know the fencing around the Capitol grounds to sum up and it's been several months the protest so when will that be reopened to the public.

>> Thanks Don as to your first question.

One thing we know is that 83% of the deaths from COVID-19 in North Carolina have come from people 65 and over.

And right now the state is vaccinating people 65 and over along with health care workers.

It's important to get those shots in arms and that there are thousands and thousands of people that are on waiting lists across the state who are 65 and over.

We're working on getting more supply and making sure that people 65 and over get vaccinated.

We also care deeply about our essential for frontline workers.

This team is working on some precise dates that we will be able to give the providers as to when we can move to essential first on frontline workers and this week we will be giving you that information after the team has talked to providers and work through it.

And we'll be trying to get that information out as soon as possible.

I'm not quite sure about the fence around the Capitol grounds we certainly want our government complex open to the public I know a lot of the museum's the Legislature is in session.

We want people down downtown in.

Taking part in our government processes.

Obviously with the insurrection attack on the capital.

The level of threat has been raised in I know law enforcement is concerned but I'll certainly look into that and see if there's a timeline on that particular issue.

Next question please.

>> They were follow-up dawns on news and observer.

>> I think for the follow on the percent to set aside to be more equitable for distribution that is that happening and happening immediately and that will be for the same the 65 and older groups are there specific County.

>> First we're telling our providers that we expect them to distribute vaccines based on percentage people in the population.

Making sure that they are concentrating on underserved communities.

The numbers are getting better but as you can see from the numbers we talked about earlier we have a ways to go.

But I'll let doctor Cohen talk about specifics on that.

>> Hi Don to the allocation methodology I mentioned in my opening remarks is something we've actually been doing for the last 2 weeks and intend to do as we continue forward in this process over the last 2 weeks we've allocated vaccine based on County population and then given increases to those populated to those counties that see a higher.

Population of those who are over the age of 65 in low income and over the age of 65 and from our historically marginalized communities and so that is already been happening in addition we make sure to target any set aside allocation related to particular special vaccine events and we want those events to really target our underserved communities.

I mentioned a couple of the examples already and so we've been supporting that over the last 2 weeks and content will that will continue in the weeks ahead, thank you.

Thanks next question please.

>> Our next question from Ashley Talley with WRAL.

I governor doctor Cohen I wondered first of all governor to expand a little on you're saying that your executive order opens up who can administer vaccines and if that means.

Primary physicians or pharmacies may be open to that and to that end I also had a question about Walgreens who is doing vaccines at 300 sites across the state.

We know where those are in are those doses coming from the state allocation or another national allocation.

>> I'll let doctor Cohen expound on this but the executive order gives.

The secretary doctor Cohen the authority to expand the different types of people who can give vaccinations and that is to get ready for when our supply increases were very much hoping that our supplies will start coming in particularly if Johnson Johnson that authorization goes through.

We'll have more vaccine.

So we want to have more people to get it.

Walgreens is a separate program by the federal government.

They have a number of their stores.

I think they're getting a 100 doses each that comes in a separate allocation from the feds but I'll let doctor Cohen address that.

The second part of your question.

He she's going to get that to banks.

>> I actually first on the executive order just to reiterate the governor's point we are not short on vaccine providers we are short on vaccines.

And so that is or limitation at this point but we do want to get ready and on board providers so when are supplied does increase that we make sure that we can continue both the speed and equity that we're working under as far as the Walgreens pharmacies they are going to have vaccines starting at the end of this week at 300 or so stores and as the governor mentioned they're going to have a very small allocation in each store.

Those 300 were selected by the by Walgreens themselves.

They are already taking appointments for their vaccines that they will have at the end of the week we already heard that there website was was having some issues so we know there's a lot of demand out there and again supply is incredibly low at each of these individual sites about a 100 doses at each of these 300 sites.

And again this allocation comes in addition to what we are getting as a state so the farm the Walgreens gets that allocation directly from the federal government it does not come through our state allocation which is different than the long-term care program which also runs through Walgreens and CVS that did come from our state allocation.

So slightly different mechanisms that they are employing here but again Walgreens as they move forward starting this weekend will come from a separate allocation from the federal government very small amount of doses in each of their about 3300 stores across North Carolina.

Thank you.

Next question please.

>> We have a follow-up Ashley Talley wre it's really helpful information about Walgreens thank you one more quick question.

Wake County is planning its first mass vaccination for the coming weekend and has requested 10,000.

Dishes do you think the state will be able to allocate those and will that come from that special.

The portion that you're saving specifically for mass vaccinations mean the rest of wake County, but you have fewer.

>> That about wake County I have to go back and look at the specifics but 10,000 is a very big number given the very limited pool of that supply of vaccine that I keep talking about here.

We do want to make sure that we're supporting vaccine events across the state.

And so I will go back and look at wake County in particular we do acknowledge that we County has gotten a lower amount of vaccine in the last number of weeks so we are trying to make that adjustment as we go forward for wake County and appreciate all the efforts that have been done whether was in Lake County or across the state to really make sure that we're getting vaccine up quickly and equitably thank you.

Next question place.

>> Our next question is from Sydney, the shallow ww why.

>> Hi governor this is Sydney.

Bush L with the wwe why in Brunswick County I have 2 questions for you.

>> First can you tell me about how many doses the state is receiving at this time and I know second question I know you've addressed.

Equity in his conference but can you also explain how your allocated to each County based on need and eligibility.

Aaron Brown County, one 3rd of the population is 65 and up and they've administered around the same amount of vaccine as Johnson County which is much larger than runs with it.

Only 13% of the population is 65 and up.

>> Thanks for those questions is as you can see by all of the people who need this vaccine.

This is a difficult task in trying to determine how does tribute something that millions of people want but isn't very limited supply.

Let doctor Cohen address the specifics of your question.

>> Hi there so weekend about a 150,000 vaccines week-over-week that we just did hear from the Biden administration this morning as the governor mentioned that we should see about a 5% increase we haven't seen exactly what that translates into are all wondering is that 5% of the 120 we were getting or 5% of the 150 we have been getting the last couple of weeks stay tuned on the exact number, but it's about a 150,000 doses the vast vast majority of those about a 120,000 are strictly distributed based on the population that the county is serving.

We do give a bump up for those that are serving more folks who are 65 and up and low income, 65 and up from are historically marginalized communities as far as Brunswick, I know our team just yesterday the maybe it was a day before the days are running the other, but I had a call with all of our vaccinating providers and other representatives from Brunswick adding to make sure that we were.

Understanding the situation on the ground that we were making the adjustments and really do appreciate everyone's feedback as we go as a governor can take it continues to mention that the supply is incredibly low and we wish we could get more supply to everyone, we know our vaccine providers can can deliver maybe 3 times the number of vaccines that we are are getting right now so we know that it is frustrating that the supply is low and folks could be doing more.

We're hopeful to see more and more vaccine.

From from these original 2 vaccines that have been approved and we know that a 3rd is going to be reviewed by the FDA by the end of the month, so we hope for more vaccine supplies we head into March.

>> Next question please.

>> Our next question is from Tina Terry with wssc.

There this is Tina Terry with ws of the TV and Charlotte.

Thank you so much for taking my question.

Governor you touched on this a few moments ago, but I just asked for a little bit more clarification.

Specifically a lot of concern teachers are out there in North Carolina can you give us any update on when we will get into group 3.

Those front-line workers and are there any plans are hot right now of perhaps moving those teachers up into a different group allowing them to get vaccinated earlier.

More.

>> Thanks thanks for that question.

If you've watched very many of these press conferences, you know what I say is that the number one priority is getting our children safely back into the classroom.

We know all that they are missing by not being in classroom in person.

And it's important that teachers are back there safely with the new research that has come about.

We know that when you take the appropriate safety protocols that teachers can can be in the classroom with students and that they can teach.

We also need to do more for our teachers.

The Legislature right now is contemplating.

Educator bonuses which I think would be a great idea if they could do that because we know that's important.

This week we've got we're going to come forward with specific dates on when essential workers will be able to start getting vaccines.

We know that people have been concerned about that.

Want to reiterate what I said earlier we still have thousands and thousands of people who are on waiting list who are 65 and older waiting for a vaccine and we're waiting for the supply to increase, but they are still on waiting lists.

And we know that 83% of the deaths come from people 65 and over so it's important to make sure we work these vaccines and get that get that to them as quickly as we can.

But we also know that our essential frontline workers are important and so we're going to look at what we had before sun you'll hear something from us this week on specific dates for a central front line workers.

Next question please.

>> We will follow what Tina Terry wssc.

Thank you so much my second question I know you said that we will receive a 5% increase in vaccine this week from the federal government.

>> What have we heard from the federal government about a timeline for getting more vaccine to North Carolina.

>> Thank you for that and any time we get a chance to talk to the administration were saying we need more vaccine.

Was on the phone today with the Biden administration and other governors across the country in the administration promised us they would use everything in their power to increase the supply of vaccinations they've been talking to Pfizer and Moderna and there have been some promises of increase and what they have been doing is distributing vaccines to the states based on population.

We also know that the Johnson Johnson vaccine has been submitted and that it may be authorized in the coming weeks.

So that we know that that would potentially increase the supply.

One good thing about the Biden administration since it took over, is that it has been giving the states a three-week window of what kind of supply that we can expect to get into our state that gives us a lot more time to plan and for a while there we were dealing with 2448 hour notice about what we're going to get and then we had to decide we're all a bit win in the state and having this 3 weeks of prediction.

Has been good and what they've been able to do is add a little bit more each week.

So that's been a very positive thing.

So we're doing everything we can to encourage the federal government to increase the supply of vaccines to North Carolina and we're going to continue that effort because the good thing is we have a good vaccinations distributions system set up is doctor Cohen said we could handle many many more vaccines that the structure is set up and we want to we want to be having that problem.

The right now we're still waiting for the supply to continue to increase.

Thanks next question please.

>> Next question is from Michael particulate wtvd.

Good afternoon governor, this is Michael purchased with WPP.

>> In reference to your last answer when it comes to the Johnson Johnson vaccine.

What steps has been stay taking from the logistics.

Point of view.

When it comes to setting a vaccination sites specific to that vaccine.

And will there be any differences between how you treat a single dose.

Johnson Johnson version first the multi dose of Pfizer and Moderna version.

>> It's great question and we know that the ease of administering Johnson and Johnson will be much greater because it's only one dose and because you don't have the storage requirements that you have particularly for the visor of Pfizer vaccine.

So we know that it will be easier to administer.

We have that discussion today among the governors and the Biden administration.

They ask us week as we're asking those very same questions that you're asking me.

Tell us how we can use this vaccine and where we should target.

They want to wait to see what the FDA.

Ultimately says about it.

We're going to be talking about it in the coming weeks.

We want it.

We hope that get off get authorized if it's safe and then we'll figure that question how would you want to add anything to that outgoing.

>> The only thing I would add is again it's it's we are planning for increased capacity as we move forward into the future, it's why we want to have more vaccinating providers waiting in the wings if you will and I know our vaccine providers have more capacity than they currently have right now says all good news that we are building that capacity as we wait for additional supply whether it's more Moderna or Pfizer or a new 3rd or even 4th vaccine that gets administered and so but what is hard for us similar Tim went at the early part of of rolling out the first 2 vaccines when we don't know how much is coming to us, it's really hard to plan I think that's why.

Governor Cooper as well as a number of other governors has asked a Biden administration to give us more of a window into what does that those allocations look like if there was to be a 3rd vaccine.

So that we can start to plan in more concrete terms again we're getting that capacity waiting in the wings, but we really is hard for us to know how and where to execute on until we really know some at least ballpark numbers of what's coming to us so I hoped an to know more over the coming weeks, thank you.

Next question please.

>> We have a follow-up Michael Pritchard wtvd.

Thank you for both of your answers.

This question is for either of you.

There was a press conference last week.

With bipartisan state leaders.

Encouraging local this school districts.

To allow a return to the classroom, the one of the studies cited.

But the ABC collaborative study which involved the searchers at Duke and UNC looking at 11 school districts here in North Carolina at the beginning of the school year.

Now that study was on a hybrid system, however there are some school districts that are not returning to a hybrid system.

But our turning to a full in class.

Routine.

Are there any concern that the data cited encouraging school districts to return is not necessarily aligning with the decision that school districts are taking.

>> First we want children back in the classroom in in person that's important.

It needs to be done.

Under the right health protocols.

And I'm gonna let doctor Cohen discuss the specifics of that.

>> Hi Michael so just to reiterate what the difference in the safety protocols are no matter what school whether it's elementary middle or high school everyone has to be wearing masks all the time.

If you do things like screening for temperature they have to be cleaning.

Surfaces often the difference between a plan a that we are allowing for any elementary school at this point and plan B is really about how much social distancing do you have at all times when students are stationary and for elementary school because of the different nature of the way this virus spreads in younger children.

We are allowing folks to go back without maintaining that 6 feet and to do things as small as 3 feet.

We want to maintain that 6 feet of distance in our middle and high school.

Given the data that we have seen about how this virus spreads in our middle and high school age students it spreads closer to what it was like in adults and so we wanted to make sure we're both we're doing the masks we're doing the cleaning and we're maintaining 6 feet of distance in our middle and high schools that being said 6 feet of distance does not require a district to necessarily be hybrid.

It does require them to have that 6 feet of distance but depending on the physical layout of the individual classrooms, the school's the number of students who choose an opt for virtual that might not be hybrid for and middle school or high school to maintain that 6 feet of different distance so I wouldn't say it's just a hybrid not hybrid distinction here for us it is really about that 6 feet of distance in middle school and high school that is important as we think about those safety protocols we want to see those followed however, again 6 feet does not necessarily mean hybrid necessarily we want to see that 6 feet of distance and that could happen in a number of ways and how they use their physical buildings and how many students are in a classroom.

Thank you.

>> Good explanation of covid.

Next question please.

>> Our next question is from Brian Anderson with the Associated Press.

>> I got my phone rang in the hear a peep thanks for the time.

I had a general question for doctor Jones went into the weeds a little bit.

We're hearing reports of people from Virginia coming in along the coast to get vaccinated in North Carolina and it appears on the state dashboard at around 3% of that that is missing for County residents.

Is that because people are on disclosing it or not because they're not.

Residents are just hoping it if you have any numbers or anything to share on on that.

Indefinitely can these counties say it is not allowable or outside lesbian to comment in April.

It partly and directing so they're getting it through a lot out there that just curious about the state of things.

>> So Brian them to your first question on the data not have to go back in and understand whether that was truly missing data or if that is our way of representing that that those folks do not live in the state of North Carolina.

So let us follow back up with you on the data question overall what we have been saying right this is a federal asset.

That when we are agreeing to take this from the federal government that we are jeras diction is not meant to keep anyone from getting the vaccine.

So CDC has very recently clarified as recently as this morning clarifying that guidance and so our team is digging into that to understand it does not say that you can limit across County lines.

But they are on making a distinction for now across state lines so stay tuned as we try to understand this new CDC guidance again that just came as of this morning.

But up until this point the CDC guidance had been you cannot limit by jurisdiction, what we have said though is why you can't limit.

There are ways that you can both market and open appointments and use your operational capability to make sure you are prioritizing those in your County or in the state of North Carolina.

>> Similar to the kinds of of mechanisms we are using to make sure we are reaching our underserved communities are African American Hispanic, Latin X community where we partner differently where we open appointments differently I think those are the ways in which we can both market and operational eyes making sure that we're prioritizing vaccine for those in North Carolina or for a particular County that is no particular are smaller counties that that are getting does a limited number of doses and again you know we are all trying to work through this together so we'll analyze this new wreck in this new guidance from the CDC and figure out how that translates into what we need to do here in North Carolina.

Thanks.

>> Next question please.

>> Our final question today is from Vanessa referred wcnc.

I thank you for taking my question I wanted to know since sounds like you're close to giving us some from her timeline for moving into groups 3 you have an approximate 4.

How how much of group one and how much of group to that you've gotten through which backs a nation.

>> I'll let doctor Cohen address that.

>> Hi Vanessa so as you know we are vaccinating those who are 65 and up as well as our health care workers 65 and up is a is a group that we better understand the numbers.

Health care workers again that that's a group that can that that we don't have the greatest numbers on in terms of of penetration but it looks like we are about 50% in 2 are 65 and older group of folks we are making a lot of progress but that still means as the governor keeps saying we know that there are thousands of those who are 65 and up who are waiting for a vaccine.

We want to make sure we are prioritizing those who are 65 and up again because that tracks with our data of who is at the highest risk of death here in North Carolina.

So we're going to keep on making sure working at at those who are 65 and up getting them vaccines and getting out particularly as we've been talking about today both in a speedy and equitable way across the state.

>> And you have a follow-up I think.

>> Yes I had a follow-up.

So I'm sure they're going to be a lot of factors that go into deciding at what point to move on to group 3.

But what would you be looking at for example would you be looking at refusal rate within the current you know active group are you trying to hit a certain percentage threshold before you move on.

What are you thinking about right now.

>> There are a lot of factors to look at but I know that they have been the vaccine team has been.

Fixated on trying to make sure we can get as many people 65 and over vaccinated because of the high death rate.

We have a lot of essential workers that are very important.

And right now the team is working through that process to determine when what dates that we can make decisions to move into essential workers.

And how we do that would you want to add to that.

>> Hi Vanessa as we've shared before we are continually talking to our vaccine providers and really trying to understand what did they experiencing on the ground and are they seeing a slowing down of the man and are they ready to move on to that the next group of folks and what we have heard is that largely folks are still vaccinating their those that are 65 and up each week we get a few more providers to say you know what I think we're we're ready to move on to the group which is why we're trying to analyze that as well as project out into the future so that we can give our vaccine providers as well as our frontline essential workers that time to prepare so it's that balancing act of both wanting to understand what's happening on the ground with the numbers and project forward so that we can give folks time to operation allies which is why the governor saying this week is when we'd like to get some folks a little more certainty on that timeline so we have have the ability to to plan going forward thank you.

>> Thank you all for being with us today please stay safe out there.