>> Good afternoon, everybody and thank you for joining us.

Today, I'm going to talk with you about COVID-19 in the pandemic response.

Getting our public school children into the classroom.

And the severe weather that has hit our state this week.

As of today we have had 833,423 confirmed COVID-19 cases.

3,916 new cases reported since yesterday.

1892 people in the hospital and sadly 10,766 people who've died.

Our prayers continue to go out to those who've lost loved ones to this cruel virus.

We are encouraged to see our COVID-19 numbers, declining and remaining stable.

For the first time since late November.

The number of people hospitalized in North Carolina due to the virus has dropped under 2000.

We're also tracking a decline in case numbers and seeing the state's percent of positive cases go lower.

Both are higher than we want to see.

But day by day North Carolina is making progress.

This is good news.

And we'll be examining that and other improving data as we work on the next executive order.

But we still must keep our guard up as well as our mask, especially as more schools returned in person instruction after our encourage men to do so 16 days ago.

Keeping that you're each other safe and keeping students and teachers in the classroom is a top priority.

And it's vitally important to wear masks and practice, social distancing.

We know that our safety measures work even as we're seeing more contagious variants of this virus out there.

These actions can keep us safe until a vaccine is more widely available.

North Carolina is continuing to distribute vaccines quickly with nearly 2 million doses already administered.

And we're seeing progress in our efforts to distribute vaccines equitably.

For example last week, 23% of our lot of first doses were administered to black North Carolinians this is up from just 13% 5 weeks ago.

I'm proud of our states work to give the vaccine quickly and equitably it will continue to expand these efforts efforts.

Due to the severe weather across the country.

The Center for Disease Control.

The CDC notified states across the country including ours.

That's vaccine.

Shipments are delayed.

This news is frustrating to all of us.

The providers are working to get appointments scheduled and we're pushing to get more vaccine for our state.

Here in North Carolina we know firsthand the disruption severe weather weather can create and I'll touch on that in a moment.

But first I'd like to address the disruption that so many of our students and families have felt from remote learning during this pandemic as well as our efforts to get students back in the classroom safely.

As of today.

91 of the 115 school districts have returned to in person learning.

By mid-march 95% of our school districts plan to provide in person instruction.

And that will serve 96% of the state's students.

That's a good thing.

And many students are going back because we've encouraged local school systems to do so.

We know that in person learning can be held safely with proper help measures in place.

And I'm joining education leaders to encourage school districts to take this step.

However it is critical that parents and teachers have confidence that their health and safety will remain a priority.

I've communicated with legislative leaders that I can sign legislation record are requiring all school districts to return to the classroom.

If it requires compliance with the Department of Health and Human Services safety guidelines for schools.

And protects the ability of state and local leaders to respond to emergencies.

The bill they just passed fails on both of these fronts.

How continue to discuss potential new legislation with General Assembly leaders before taking action on the bill, but I now have a my desk.

It is critical for our students and teachers that we get this right.

Now for an update on today's inclement weather.

Today's ice storm brought down trees and power lines leaving thousands in the dark and with more ice on the way.

As of one 35 PM there are nearly 23,000 without power.

Most of the ice concerns in the West in northern Piedmont.

With rainfall expected this afternoon and evening.

There's a serious threat for River flooding and flash flooding.

In the eastern half of the state.

This is especially true at the Tar River near Greenville and the lumber River near Lumberton.

We need to take this weather seriously.

Yesterday declared a state of emergency to allow repair crews from out of state to more helpful quickly help communities who've lost power.

And also activated 40 members of the National Guard to assist with fallen tree and debris removal.

The Department of Transportation is working to clear roads and debris and they along with the state Highway Patrol ask you to please stay off the road.

In these icy areas.

Today's icy weather and rain follows another storm this week with a deadly tornado touching down in Brunswick County late Monday night.

Yesterday I visited there.

And our prayers go out to those who've lost loved ones of whom were injured in this storm.

The tornado caused significant damage.

Even demolishing some homes.

And I heard harrowing stories from survivors to we're glad to be alive.

The state marshal all available resources to help people recover.

Right now emergency management is assessing the damage is to determine what kind of additional assistance may be available.

Also people in southeastern North Carolina, particularly along the coast should be on the lookout for more potential severe weather later today.

Director sprayberry will address that in just a minute.

But first I want to thank our first responders emergency managers law enforcement utility workers and others across the state to keep us safe.

They worked tirelessly and fearlessly to help get people to safety and already they've begun repairing the damage.

I'm grateful for their resilience.

As we face the aftermath of a tornado in winter storms across the country on top of the pandemic.

Many of us may be feeling worn down.

Our state has experienced a lot of challenges.

But one thing I know North Carolinians are resilient when we get knocked down we get back up.

And I know that if we continue to work together and keep keep the the each other safe.

We'll get through this.

And we'll build back stronger than we were before.

Also with me today is our secretary of public safety Eric hooks as I mentioned our director of emergency management Mike sprayberry is with us today.

Doctor Cohen is not with us today, but we have with us deputy secretary of Health and Human Services Cody Kinsley, and deputy secretary of North Carolina Medicaid Dave Richard.

Our sign language interpreters or Monica mcghee in Cameron Larson and behind the scenes, Jackie and jasmine metivier our Spanish language interpreters.

Now recognized director sprayberry for a few remarks.

Mike.

Thank you governor.

And thank you for your outstanding leadership.

>> Today is day 346 of the state emergency response team activation for the covid response.

And we're also activated for the winter storm.

The icy weather we're seeing today is having major effects especially in our northern and Western counties statewide as the governor mentioned public and private utilities are currently reporting about 23,000 customers without power.

Those numbers have been falling since about 11:00AM but may rise again as temperatures drop this evening.

We want to thank our utility partners for their readiness and professionalism as they have aggressively and decisively addressed power outages throughout the state.

Please do not call 911 to report power outages.

You can report those online or via phone directly to your utility company.

911 centers across the state are already experiencing.

High call volumes and we need to keep those lines open for true emergencies.

If your power is out do not use a generator or grill inside your home or garage, deadly carbon monoxide film flames.

Fumes can accumulate good and you can't see him or smell them.

The National Guard soldiers at the governor's activated and that he mentioned our stage we are reason north wilkesboro Charlotte and rocking him.

They will deploy from those sites as they are requested to assist counties with clearing downed trees and debris.

We're always thankful for their service.

Please avoid any unnecessarily.

Travel today and tonight, so that ice and downed trees can be cleared from the roads.

Our hardworking Highway Patrol partners have already responded to more than a 172 collisions today and more than 420 calls for service.

If you must travel remember to treat intersections as a four-way stop when traffic signals are out reduce speed increase following distance and scan the road ahead for hazards.

Move over to make room for those working alongside the road to respond to collisions remove tree and restore power.

Our dot teammates have more than 1100 workers on the roads today in order to keep them clear as of new dot reports that all major roads from the mountains to the coast are open.

Crews have reported possible icy spots on roads in Western in north central North Carolina.

Most highway divisions will reporting little ice accumulation on roads services.

The said ice on elevated services or downed trees could become an issue as temperatures continue to drop today.

At least 28 school districts reported closings every port closures today with several delayed starts and many others on remote learning.

In Brunswick County.

Our disaster recovery staff is continuing to work with local government officials to conduct damage assessments after Monday's tornado near ocean now Beach.

Again our prayers are with those folks.

You were harmed or injured by that.

Tornado.

There's a slight threat for more severe weather in that part of the state tonight, but it's been downgraded from the marginal threat category.

The weather Service forecast early today.

As always don't forget to look out for your family friends neighbors during this winter weather and a call your loved one's daily with kindness and cooperation will all get through this together as one team.

One mission and one family.

Thank you governor.

>> As always we thank you for your leadership Mike and we'll now take questions from the media if you can identify yourself and your organization will take the first question.

>> Our first question is from Richard Craver with the winston-salem journal.

Hello governor, this is Richard Craver with a list of several journal.

I will ask a question and regain to COVID-19 and that was evidently a statement put out yesterday from the HHS and involving.

I guess new guidelines for.

Allowing people from other states to come in North Carolina and get a vaccination appointments vaccinations and I want to see if I can get they Richard to provide little bit more detail about that reasoning.

>> First the vast majority of vaccines are going to North Carolinians that are in North Carolina right now.

The guidance has just the federal guidance has just been.

Changed to allow states to be more restrictive and whether they're going to serve any people who've come from out of state.

So we have provided that guidance to providers that they can do a little more to focus mostly on North Carolinians we have Cody Kinsley, his deputy deputy secretary of department health human services with this and he may want to shed a little more light on that.

Cody.

Thank you governor.

>> And thank you for the question.

Absolutely right that the federal government has recently changed the policy allowing North Carolina to be a bit more restrictive, but I think what's important to remember is that this is a federal asset and that many of our communities along the border.

Some folks do live work or get their health care in North Carolina, even though they may live on the other side of the border, so some folks may still get their vaccine here but as the governor said it is a very very low number.

We're also of course working with our providers to encourage them to schedule folks that are from North Carolina to partner with local churches or other community-based organizations to be sure that those individuals in North Carolina are getting their vaccines here in North Carolina.

Thank you.

Thanks Cody.

Next question.

>> Our next question is from Christy o'connor with wbtv.

>> Health care on the follow up on that last question I was wondering especially with the Charlotte area being right on the border, I was wondering if that would impact the mass vaccination clinics that are held in Charlotte.

With those new guidelines restrict people from South Carolina coming to a mass vaccination site at Bank of America stadium, Charlotte Motor Speedway.

>> The vast numbers of people came to those of mass vaccination sites.

We're North Carolinians.

But as they continue with mass vaccinations in the Charlotte area.

Providers can tweak their guidance to people to make sure they focus more on North Carolinians as Cody says I don't think you want to forced people not to to get a vaccine here as it is a federal asset but providers now going to spend more time trying to make sure they are focusing on North Carolina North Carolinians this includes a back-to-back mass vaccinations and vaccinations and every other place that we're providing the vaccine.

Next question please.

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

>> From coach and there's a petition and a bill about high school outdoor sport to pass a D and how that a numeric limit not percentage my college and professional football.

Now can that the change in the next executive order to have a similar percentage with a moment and land.

Also on FB 37.

You said that you won't find that I guess it's about 90.

Our last well you might it become law in which the school system do in the meantime there are both there are no bye.

>> Thanks for those questions don't first.

I understand parents morning to come see their students at ball games.

I remember playing high school basketball and football and see my parents up there every time along with my grandparents, so I know how much that means you heard earlier that our numbers are improving which is good.

We are a long way from being out of the woods here we need people to continue to wear a mask and social distancing get their vaccines as soon as they can and as soon as their turn comes up.

We're feeling more positive about the situation.

And this executive order runs out at the end of the month that you'll hear from us next week regarding a new executive order.

That's one of the issues that health officials are looking at the desire to increase the number of spectators at events.

We've got to keep the health and safety of North Carolinians as the number one priority.

We do understand people warning to to be a part of these events and so that's something that that health experts are working on their looking at the data there talking to people in other stay in other states are talking to the CDC.

And hopefully we will see some changes in that area.

We make the announcement on the new executive order next week.

As I mentioned earlier I think that the legislation fails on to areas number one.

It allows schools to put students back in the classroom in violation of the Department of Health and Human Services guidelines.

Specifically it allows them to put middle and high school students back in the classroom without social distancing.

That's one problem I have with the legislation that I told that the Legislature and secondly it hampers state and local officials from being able to respond to an emergency suppose this variant causes significant problems and you have in the legislature in the legislation that students still have to be in person in the classroom.

And you take away the authority of state and local officials to be able to respond to those emergencies hes not a good thing.

I want her students back in the classroom.

That's why I stood here.

16 days ago along with the superintendent of public instruction along with the chair of the state Board of Education and said we need our children back in the classroom.

We need to do it safely safely we need to follow the guidelines.

But they need to be back and a lot of school systems have responded to that and as I mentioned earlier about by mid-march or so will be close to covering 90% of the students being back and in person classes.

I can sign alleged piece of legislation with those 2 requirements that the guidelines be followed.

And that.

The local and state emergency authority not be hampered.

So that I would hope that they could send another piece of legislation or just let this run its course because I think look most of the local school boards are taking action here and have a lot of people talk about the importance of local control.

Local control is important.

Next question please.

>> Their follow-up dawns on news and observer.

>> I think for the follow-on.

You said that you know they'll be more by been March 95 isn't that still leaves those that haven't would you do in order or some sort of action play yes, those other schools to open under plan B which has the the distance saying and then with the vaccine shipment delays this week doing know how many Pfizer vaccine have arrived this week.

>> Some of the Pfizer vaccines have arrived I don't think the Moderna has I'm going to call on co tif for for that.

I'll continue to talk with legislative leaders about the potential of another piece of legislation that would cure both of these concerns that I have with the president legislation and in the meantime I'm going to continue to encourage local boards.

Get children back in the classroom following the guidelines that the Department of Health and Human Services has has set out.

Cody I'll let you address the vaccine shipment issue.

Thanks for the question.

>> None of the Moderna vaccine has arrived in North Carolina, but about half of the Pfizer vaccine has arrived either yesterday or we expected to arrive today.

We have that list.

The federal government provided it to us and we can release and provide that to you as well as you can see which places are receiving the vaccine.

Thank you.

Thank U next question.

>> The question is from David Ford who has D d. Thank you David for wftv during last week press conference doctor Cohen mention that the department has developed a process to investigate any.

Agree just violations of the prioritization protocols.

If you want to tell us more about how that process works and one of the a replica should they get for providers on violating the guidelines.

>> The number one priority of this administration is getting the vaccines out quickly and equitably we want the providers to follow the guidelines and the groups that we have set out and we do not want.

Integrations egregious violations of that but I like Cody talk about what the department has done.

>> Thank you for the question it's absolutely correct or guidance is that right now we're in phase one and we believe in that all of the providers in North Carolina are working incredibly hard to serve those individuals.

You've heard us say that there are times when if you're getting to the bottom of the vile and you can't find the person in that phase to get a vaccine you need to try to have a wait list or you need to call someone that could come in and get that vaccine.

But for those times where folks are egregiously or intentionally stepping out of the phase.

We want to learn about that and hopefully we'll put those providers to get them back into compliance to do the right thing that we're doing from North Carolinians and then we will take into account.

Their allocations if we need to if they continue to step out of phase unnecessarily.

We look at many factors when we're doing allocations population and then of course very importantly of folks are serving people in the phase and then also making sure that we're meeting our targets and goals for serving people in historically marginalized populations so our allocations are way that we can help make sure that all of our providers are compliant with the current phase and expectations.

Thank you.

Next question please.

>> Our next question is from Ashley Talley with WRAL.

Thanks for taking my call center.

2 questions to follow up on the 2 most recent question.

One is along with us that the recent Senate and House bill that passed is the newly proposed the only choice.

And the summer family 20 flirty bill you support that in bringing more children into commercial to help make up for the learning emails law and then my second question is about the vaccine.

Rollout we're hearing that while a lot of first there's the front can full second there for some were moved up.

And I was asked to do that was because trying to get people and where they do have the Pfizer vaccine now thank you.

>> Thank you.

I believe that >> number of children have struggled with remote learning.

I want to praise teachers and parents and the students who've worked so hard to to make it work during this time, but we know and one of the reasons I'm pushing to get children back into the classroom in person is because remote learning hasn't worked for a number of kids.

So if we can provide opportunities for them to catch up for them to get additional instruction then I think that's positive.

I know that the legislation that's being considered in the House now is being shopped around to educators across the state and people having input we look forward to having some input into that legislation.

So I I think the idea is a good one.

But we have to see the specifics of the legislation and I'll let Cody address the vaccine issue.

Thank you governor and thank you for the question.

>> So it's important to remember that vaccine doses arrive in the state at a certain schedule so second doses arrive in North Carolina usually on Thursdays and Fridays and first doses arrive on Tuesdays and Wednesdays so a lot of the second dose appointments that are planned for this week had already arrived in the state at the end of last week which enables providers to move forward and providing those second doses which is great news.

We want folks to be getting their second doses and right now of those are eligible for their second dose is 98%.

Folks have completed the series we have over 600,000 North Carolinians that have completed the full two-dose series.

So that's really great news for us as a tool to fight the COVID-19.

We also know that earlier on we're off to a slower start on first doses.

We have clear that backlog and now this Carolyn in North Carolina providers are providing vaccine just as quick as it comes into the state but because we're a little behind for the first couple of weeks is a few extra second doses on the shelf that we're continuing to give to people that are ready so that's why folks are able to go ahead and keep getting their second dose is this week.

First and foremost we want people to be safe of course but try to keep their appointments.

Thank you.

Next question please.

>> Our next question is from clear Donnelly with W S a.

The governor declared only from wftv thing for the Q a questions and you mentioned that health officials are considering increasing the number of spectators at some of the events with the next executive order and wondering what else they're considering a aren't listening restrictions.

>> That the state of North Carolina has put health and safety of North Carolinians as the first priority since the beginning of this pandemic and we now have a stay at home order.

We have occupancy restrictions in some places retail establishments throughout the state.

All of the restrictions that are in place now the gathering limits others all of these are on the table to be considered.

And health officials are examining the data and looking at the science and talking to people in other states and they'll continue to look at our numbers during the coming weeks.

And I think all of the restrictions that we have on the table are going to be considered as we look at the next executive order.

One thing I know though it's going to continue to be important for us to wear a mask and to social distance and don't.

Gather into big crowds.

And these are the things that we know can spread this virus and we want people to continue doing that.

But will we win we know that there will be continued restrictions in place in order to protect the people.

We'll be announcing what what changes are coming next week.

Next question please.

>> The follow-up clear Donnelly wsa.

I think so I was also wondering given that the state is still getting limited supplies of vaccine.

And you anticipate having to break off another smaller segment of groups agreed to start getting vaccinated on March 10 like you have to do with educators and school staff and then whom would be in that smaller group.

>> We right now are still vaccinating health care workers.

People who're 65 and over and still a lot of people to VAX vaccinate in that area and I think I look today and the number was 642,000 people that we have completed the series and that's great news and we have a lot more vaccine coming in a lot more people getting vaccinated our educators will began on February the 24th.

And then on March the 10th power.

Other frontline essential workers.

I think what the department is going to do is to work with the providers and see how the process of working with educators goes and to learn some things about that before any decisions are made about the frontline essential workers marched him would you say that right Cody things that right OK. Next question please.

>> Our final question today will be from team that period with wfmz.

Hey there this is going to appear with W S o C thank you for taking my question.

The weather's impact on COVID-19 shipments.

How is.

>> That impacting people to have a second doses.

Yeah you will.

It sat on the 5th.

It might not be a great impact on those.

Based on something that could be said earlier but I want to clarify that and the other question I have is will the shipment delays.

Impact of could they possibly impact their decision to move on with teachers and school staff in group 3 next week.

It sounds like that that may not have an impact based on what the governor just said, but I just want to clarify that.

>> Obviously I and governors and a lot of other states are very frustrated about weather delays for the fact that scenes that are coming into our state.

I don't think the delays will be so much that it would affect anything in our stages.

But I went Cody address the rest of the question.

>> Thank you we're watching this very carefully and working with our providers or guidance right now to providers is to get folks in as soon as they can once they have notice that the shipments are coming in.

And I think we'll see right now we have that today 2 and a half day to weigh in.

We'll see if that stretches out to make sure it informs what choices we have to make about guidance for providers, but that's still involving space.

Second doses, you're right foremost providers, second doses have arrived at the end of last week so for a second dose appointments that were scheduled this week.

Many of them will be able to go for now of course some of then speak because of weather that's happening in our state may have to be canceled and rescheduled for other reasons as well and that's why our top priority is people being safe but then getting folks in for their second dose or their first dose just as soon as possible.

Thanks.

And I think there's a follow-up.

>> There is this is I think very and just wanted to ask.

For clarity on one of the questions from one asked earlier last week you said you were working on protocols to help prevent.

People who're not teachers or school staff from fraudulently showing up to be vaccinated when group 3 vaccinations begin next week.

Have you come up with any protocol that would prevent that or penalize individual not the provider but the individual to try and commit fraud.

Thank you.

>> Thanks for the question.

I think first and foremost we believe North Carolinians want to do the right thing and we want providers North Carolinians to come together and make sure that folks get vaccinated when it is their phase.

But there are strategies that help us make sure that the right folks in the phase get the vaccine when it is their turn and we're seeing some of those already now providers are reaching out and offering appointments they're partnering with local churches are local community-based organizations to make sure that they're getting access for folks that are historically marginalized populations are in especially folks over 65 and health care workers that are known to them so when we move to a child care workers to teachers to other school personnel.

Clearly they're very great partnerships at the local level we know those people or we can well cloaca leave between vaccine providers in the school districts to make sure that people are scheduled accordingly and this is what makes it a great great for us to be able to learn about how to operationalize this in a smart way and make sure that folks are coming in when it's their turn.

Thank you.

>> Thanks everybody for being with us today stay safe.