>> WELL GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE AND THANK YOU FOR JOINING TODAY'S BRIEFING.

OVER THE PAST 2 YEARS NORTH CAROLINA AND THE REST OF THE WORLD, HAS BEEN THROUGH A LOT.

PERSONALLY I EXPECTED MANY CHALLENGES AS GOVERNOR.

BUT A GLOBAL PANDEMIC WAS NOT ONE OF THEM.

BUT I KNEW IT WAS MY JOB TO LEAD.

AND I'VE DONE THAT TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY.

TODAY WE CAN LOOK FORWARD WITH THE BELIEF THAT THE WORST IS BEHIND US.

AND AS WE LOOK AHEAD.

IT'S IMPORTANT TO TAKE STOCK OF HOW FAR WE'VE COME.

2 YEARS AGO THE WORLD STOP BECAUSE OF AN EXTRAORDINARILY CONTAGIOUS VIRUS.

WE KNEW LITTLE ABOUT.

BUT AS COVID-19 INVOLVED.

SO TOO DID OUR UNDERSTANDING OF HOW TO COMBAT IT.

WHEN THIS VIRUS FIRST REACH NORTH CAROLINA WE LIKE THE REST OF THE WORLD FACED DAUNTING CHALLENGES.

REMEMBER AT THE BEGINNING OUR COUNTRY WAS SHORT OF THE MOST BASIC TOOLS.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT LIKE MASKS AND GOWNS WERE NOT WIDELY AVAILABLE EVEN FOR THE HEALTH CARE WORKERS WHO ARE TREATING COVID PATIENTS MUCH LESS FOR THE REST OF US.

TESTING SUPPLIES FOR THIS NEW VIRUS FOR JUST BEING CREATED AND PRODUCED AND THEY WERE IN SHORT SUPPLY.

THERE WAS NO VACCINE AND NO EFFECTIVE TREATMENT OR CURE.

THE SICK FLOODED OUR HOSPITALS AND DOCTORS FACE IMPOSSIBLE TREATMENT CHOICES.

IN TOTAL MORE THAN 23,000 NORTH CAROLINIANS LOST THEIR LIVES TO THIS CRUEL VIRUS.

AND THEIR FAMILIES STILL HURT TODAY.

REMEMBERING THE SPRING OF 2020 IN THE FOLLOWING MONTHS OF OAK STRONG MEMORIES THAT ARE DIFFICULT AND OFTEN PAINFUL TO RECALL.

BUT IT'S IMPORTANT FOR US TO REMEMBER HOW WE CAME TOGETHER TOOK STRONG ACTION.

PROTECTED PEOPLE'S HELP.

AND WORK TO PREVENT OUR HOSPITALS FROM BEING OVERWHELMED.

WE FOCUSED NOT ONLY ON SAVING LIVES.

BUT LIVELIHOODS.

DURING THE PANDEMIC NORTH CAROLINA WAS SHOWN TO BE AMONG THE LOWEST STATES IN BOTH DEATH AND JOB LOSS PER CAPITA.

WE MADE THE RIGHT CHOICES.

WE'VE GOT OUR CHILDREN BACK IN SCHOOL.

WE KEPT OUR ECONOMY GOING.

WE SAVED LIVES.

AND NOW WE TURN THE PAGE ON THE PANDEMIC KNOWING THAT WE HAVE THE TOOLS FOR PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES TO MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICES FOR THEMSELVES.

IT'S BEEN ALMOST A YEAR SINCE WE ENDED THE STATEWIDE MASK MANDATE IN CAPACITY LIMITS FOR BUSINESSES.

STUDENTS AND TEACHERS HAVE BEEN IN THE CLASSROOMS ALL YEAR.

AND MASKS ARE OPTIONAL.

AND WE HAVE STEADILY INCREASED THE NUMBER OF VACCINATED AND BOOSTED NORTH CAROLINIANS WHICH IS STILL CRITICAL FOR PEOPLE TO DO TO PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM A VIRUS THAT IS STILL HERE.

OVER THE LAST 2 YEARS WE'VE WRITTEN A HISTORY OF HARDSHIP AND RESILIENCE.

>> SETBACKS AND SUCCESSES.

>> BUT NOW WE ENTER THE NEXT PHASE.

ONE OF INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY.

PREPAREDNESS AND PROSPERITY.

IT'S TIME TO CHART A NEW COURSE.

THIS VIRUS WILL STILL BE WITH US.

BUT IT WON'T DISRUPT US.

WE MUST REMAIN PREPARED FOR THE POTENTIAL OF FUTURE SURGES TO.

AND THIS WILL MEAN SOME SPECIFIC CHANGES IN THE WAY WE MOVE FORWARD FROM HERE.

SO AT FIRST LIKE TO ASK KODY KINSLEY, OUR SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TO COME TO THE PODIUM AND SHARE MORE ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA AND HOW WE WILL LEAD WITH RESILIENCE GOING FORWARD.

SECRETARY KINSLEY.

>> AS THE GOVERNOR SAID WE HAVE WORKED HARD TO GET TO THIS MOMENT.

WE ARE NOW PREPARED IN WAYS THAT WE COULD NOT HAVE BEEN 2 YEARS AGO.

MOST IMPORTANTLY WE HAVE HIGH LEVELS OF IMMUNITY AMONG INDIVIDUALS AND MAJOR PART DUE TO THE 75% OF ADULTS THAT HAVE GOTTEN AT LEAST ONE SHOT.

WE'RE ALSO PREPARED WITH TREATMENTS.

TESTING AND A ROBUST SUPPLY OF OTHER TOOLS WHILE COVID IS NOW WHILE COVID IS NOW A THREAT WE CAN MANAGE.

IT HAS NOT DISAPPEARED.

WE WILL REMAIN VIGILANT.

AND WE WILL WORK TO EQUIP YOU WITH THE INFORMATION AND TOOLS YOU NEED TO MAKE CHOICES THAT ARE BEST FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

MOVING FORWARD OUR APPROACH WILL FOLLOW FOR CORE PRINCIPLES, EMPOWERING INDIVIDUALS MAINTAINING HEALTH SYSTEM CAPACITY COLLABORATING WITH LOCAL PARTNERS AND PRIORITIZING EQUITY.

THESE PRINCIPLES ENSURE A FAST AND FAIR RESPONSE THAT IMPROVES THE HEALTH SAFETY AND WELL-BEING OF ALL NORTH CAROLINIANS.

PEOPLE WANT TO RETURN TO THEIR NORMAL ROUTINES WHICH THEY CAN DO BECAUSE OF FREE AND EFFECTIVE VACCINES BOOSTERS AND OTHER TOOLS THAT HELP PEOPLE MANAGE THEIR RISK.

WE WILL CONTINUE TO ENSURE ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND RESOURCES, ESPECIALLY FOR HISTORICALLY MARGINALIZED POPULATIONS.

PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND OLDER NORTH CAROLINIANS.

DATA WILL CONTINUE TO DRIVE OUR RESPONSE AS IT HAS THROUGH THE ENTIRE PANDEMIC.

BUT SOME METRICS NO LONGER MEASURE THE MOMENT.

SOME THAT YOU ARE USED TO SEEING LIKE THE PERCENTAGE OF POSITIVE TESTS WILL NO LONGER BE OUR FOCUS.

WE'VE SELECTED 7 METRICS BASED ON SCIENCE FOR THE CURRENT MOMENT.

LET'S GO TO THE SLIDES.

WASTEWATER HAS PIECES OF THE COVID-19 VIRUS 4 TO 6 DAYS BEFORE THE FIRST CASES ARE REPORTED IN THE COMMUNITY.

NORTH CAROLINA WAS ONE OF THE FIRST 8 STATES TO PARTNER WITH THE CDC ON SAMPLING COMMUNITY WASTEWATER TO GIVE US AN EARLY WARNING.

ANOTHER EARLY INDICATOR THAT WILL CONTINUE TO USE IS THE PERCENT OF PEOPLE GOING TO EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS WITH COVID LIKE ILLNESS.

WHEN THIS METRIC IS TRENDING UPWARD.

WE'RE EXPECTING MORE SEVERE ILLNESS IN COMMUNITIES.

HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS FOR COVID-19 TELLS US HOW STRAINED OUR HOSPITALS ARE BECOMING WHEN IT IS HIGH IT INDICATES HOSPITALS WILL BE CHALLENGED TO PROVIDE CARE FOR COVID-19 AND NON COVID-19 PATIENTS.

CASES REMAIN IMPORTANT EVEN THOUGH EVERY CASE IS NOT REPORTED.

CASE TRENDS GIVE US INSIGHT INTO PARTICULAR COMMUNITIES AND POPULATIONS BEING AFFECTED BY THE VIRUS.

BEING UP TO DATE WITH YOUR VACCINE IS THE MOST POWERFUL WAY TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF COVID-19.

THAT'S WHY BOOSTER RATES HELP US MEASURE PROTECTION IN OUR COMMUNITIES.

UNDERSTANDING WHICH VARIANTS ARE CIRCULATING IN NORTH CAROLINA.

INFORMS OUR RESPONSE AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON HOW BEST TO LAYER OF PROTECTION.

VARIANTS THAT CAUSE MORE SEVERE ILLNESS OR MORE TRANSMISSIBLE IT'S IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO HAVE.

FINALLY THE CDC'S COMMUNITY LEVEL METRIC COMBINES A NUMBER OF THESE METRICS ABOVE TO GIVE A LOW MEDIUM OR HIGH LEVEL OF RISK SPECIFIC TO YOUR COUNTY.

BEGINNING ON MARCH 23RD THE SUMMARY PAGE OF THE COVID-19 DASHBOARD WILL FEATURE THESE 7 METRICS.

RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF TRENDS OVER TIME.

WE WILL MOVE TO A WEEKLY UPDATE.

THESE METRICS ALONG WITH YOUR PERSONAL SITUATION CAN HELP INFORM YOUR CHOICES TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY.

AND THEY'LL HELP US STAY PREPARED IS THE STATE.

LOOKING AHEAD, WE WILL SEE PERIODS OF INCREASED SPREAD.

YOU CAN STAY PREPARED BY KEEPING UP TO DATE WITH YOUR VACCINE.

AND WILL MAINTAIN A STRONG SUPPLY OF TREATMENTS TESTING AND PPE.

NORTH CAROLINIANS HAVE DEMONSTRATED INCREDIBLE STRENGTH OVER THE LAST 2 YEARS.

AND WE WILL RECOVER STRONGER TOGETHER.

WE'VE LEARNED IMPORTANT LESSONS THROUGH THIS PANDEMIC THAT WILL USE TO INVEST IN OUR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND RESILIENCE TO FOCUS ON CHILD AND FAMILY WELL-BEING AND TO BUILD A STRONG AND INCLUSIVE WORKFORCE TO ALIGN WITH SECRETARY SANDERS EFFORTS.

I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH EACH OF YOU TO MAKE A STRONGER RECOVERY.

A REALITY.

BUT FINALLY IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO VACCINATE VISIT myspot.nc.gov FOR MORE INFORMATION.

GOVERNOR COOPER.

THANK YOU SECRETARY CAN SULLY.

>> I APPRECIATE ALL OF THE HARD WORK THAT THE NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TEAM IS PUT INTO THIS PLANNING.

AND ALL OF THEIR TIRELESS EFFORTS ALONGSIDE SO MANY PARTNERS THROUGHOUT THIS ENTIRE PANDEMIC.

AS NORTH CAROLINA NAVIGATED THE HEALTH CHALLENGE.

WE NEVER TOOK OUR EYE OFF OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND THROUGH IT ALL WE CONTINUE TO BRING RECORD BREAKING NUMBERS OF JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS.

DURING THIS PANDEMIC WE'VE LEARNED LESSONS AND GAIN DEFICIENCIES THAT WE CAN TAKE INTO THE FUTURE.

WE KNOW THE PANDEMIC HAS CHANGED HOW WE LIVE SO WE'VE ADAPTED TO ENSURE THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO RISE TO THE TOP WHEN IT COMES TO OPPORTUNITIES FOR BETTER PAYING JOBS.

NORTH CAROLINA'S COMMERCE SECRETARY MACHELLE SANDERS IS HERE TO DISCUSS OUR ADMINISTRATION STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR ECONOMY.

SECRETARY SANDERS.

>> THANK YOU GOVERNOR COOPER AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR STRONG AND STEADY LEADERSHIP THAT HAS KEPT NORTH CAROLINA AT THE TOP OF THE PACK BOTH IN TERMS OF OUR RESPONSE TO COVID-19 AND OUR ECONOMIC RECOVERY.

THIS WEEK, THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ISSUE DATA SHOWING THAT NORTH CAROLINA'S ECONOMIC ACTIVITY HAS RECOVERED TO PRE-PANDEMIC LEVELS BOTH IN TERMS OF GDP AND EMPLOYMENT LEVELS.

NORTH CAROLINA SAW A RECORD YEAR FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN 2021, ATTRACTING GLOBAL COMPANIES LIKE FUJI FILM, APPLE, AND TOYOTA.

ALONGSIDE THE EXPANSION OF MANY HOMEGROWN BUSINESSES.

WE ANNOUNCED MORE THAN 24,000 NEW JOBS AND OVER 10 BILLION DOLLARS IN CAPITAL INVESTMENT FROM COMPANIES LOCATED IN AN EXPANDED ACROSS OUR STATE AND WE'RE OFF TO ANOTHER FAST START IN 2022.

HAVEN'T ALREADY ANNOUNCED 23 ECONOMIC PROJECTS THIS YEAR.

BUT WE KNOW THERE IS MORE WORK TO BE DONE AND MANY CHALLENGES AHEAD OF US.

THAT'S WHY LAST YEAR THE DEPARTMENT RELEASED OUR FIRST IN TALENT STRATEGIC ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN.

NORTH CAROLINA HAS EXCELLED IN ALL THE TRADITIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AREAS AND WE CONTINUE TO FOCUS ON THEM.

BUT THE PANDEMIC TAUGHT US THAT CONDITIONS CAN CHANGE RAPIDLY AND OUR WORKFORCE, BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITIES MUST BE SKILLED ENOUGH TO ADAPT AND GROW SIMPLY PUT TO CONTINUE LEADING THE NATION WE CAN NOT RELY SOLELY ON WHAT MADE US SUCCESSFUL IN THE PAST.

THE FIRST IN TALENT PLAN HIGHLIGHTS 3 KEY AREAS FOR CONTINUED SUCCESS.

OUR WORKFORCE.

OUR BUSINESSES AND OUR COMMUNITIES TO PREPARE OUR PEOPLE.

OUR MOST IMPORTANT ASSET WE HAVE LAID OUT A FOCUS ON EDUCATION FROM CRADLE TO CAREER HELPING PARENTS ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HIGH QUALITY CHILDCARE AND WORKING TO MAKE DEGREES AND SKILL CREDENTIALS, ATTAINABLE TO ENSURE BY 2030 2 MILLION NORTH CAROLINIANS HAVE A POST-SECONDARY CREDENTIAL.

FOR BUSINESSES, THE PLAN HIGHLIGHTS WASTE TO BOOST SMALL BUSINESS RECOVERY AND WAGE GROWTH AND INVEST IN KEY SECTORS THAT PROVIDE CRITICAL TECHNOLOGIES AND PRODUCTS AND FOR OUR COMMUNITIES.

IT'S MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

HIGH SPEED INTERNET AND PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE THAT WILL ATTRACT RESIDENTS WORKERS ENTREPRENEURS AND BUSINESSES.

THE PLAN LAYS OUT MANY MORE STRATEGIES THAT OUR DEPARTMENT AND OUR PARTNERS AROUND THE STATE ARE ENGAGED AND TO ENSURE THAT NORTH CAROLINA CONTINUES TO LEAD THE PACK AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AT ALL LEVELS.

WE'RE AT CITED ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA'S FUTURE AND WE ARE COMMITTED TO OUR GROWTH AND RESILIENCY AS NORTH CAROLINA CONTINUES FULL SPEED AHEAD.

ALONG WITH OUR PARTNERS FROM THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP OF NORTH CAROLINA WE'LL CONTINUE TO WORK HAND IN HAND TO RECRUIT BUSINESSES THAT WILL CREATE GOOD PAYING JOBS FOR OUR FELLOW NORTH CAROLINIANS AND MAKING INVESTMENTS TO ENSURE A MOST VALUABLE RESOURCE.

OUR PEOPLE ARE PREPARED TO FIELD THOSE JOBS OF TODAY AND TOMORROW, THANK YOU GOVERNOR.

THANKS A LOT SECRETARY SANDERS.

>> AS YOU CAN SEE NORTH CAROLINA IS MOVING AHEAD WITH THOUGHTFUL PLANS ON STAYING HEALTHY.

TRAINING WORKERS FOR GOOD JOBS AND PUTTING MORE MONEY IN THE POCKETS OF EVERYDAY NORTH CAROLINIANS.

ALTHOUGH THE STATE'S ECONOMY HAS RECOVERED TO PRE-COVID EMPLOYMENT LEVELS.

WE KNOW FAMILIES STILL FACE ECONOMIC CHALLENGES.

WE KNOW THERE'S WORK TO BE DONE LOWERING COST OF GAS AND GROCERIES.

GETTING EVERYONE COVERED WITH HEALTH CARE.

MAKING CHILDCARE MORE AFFORDABLE, PUTTING CLEAN ENERGY EFFICIENCY WITHIN REACH.

WE'LL KEEP WORKING ON ALL OF THESE IMPORTANT PRIORITIES.

EVEN IN OUR MOST DIFFICULT MOMENTS I KNEW THAT NORTH CAROLINA WOULD COME OUT ALL RIGHT BECAUSE OF THE STRENGTH OF OUR PEOPLE.

OUR RESILIENCE OUR DETERMINATION.

AND OUR DEDICATION TO THE VALUES OF COMMUNITY AND INGENUITY GOT US THROUGH IT.

THIS IS WHY I NEVER NOT ONCE LOST HOPE OR CONFIDENCE IN THE PROMISE OF OUR FUTURE.

WE LEAD THROUGH THIS PANDEMIC WITH THE STEADY HAND SO THAT WE COULD MEET THIS MOMENT.

READY TO GO.

ALONG WITH SECRETARY KINSLEY AND SECRETARY SANDERS HERE WITH ME TODAY ARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES SENIOR DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH DOCTOR SUSAN KANSAGRA AND OFFICIALS FROM NORTH CAROLINA EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.

BEHIND THE SCENES, JACKIE METIVIER AND RON VASQUEZ OUR SPANISH LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS AND MONICA MCGHEE IS OUR AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER.

WE'LL NOW TAKE QUESTIONS FROM MEDIA IN THE ROOM.

WE'VE GOT THE MICS ON BOTH SIDES ARE.

>> I GOVERNOR.

SO I DIDN'T HEAR YOU GIVE ANY UPDATE ON THE STATE OF EMERGENCY IS NOT COMING TO AN END.

IT DOES A COUPLE OF SIMPLE THINGS.

>> ONE IT GIVES FLEXIBILITY TO HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS TO HELP WITH SURGES THAT COME AND IT HELPS HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS DISTRIBUTE VACCINES AND TREATMENT TO PEOPLE.

WE PREVENTED PRESENTED TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY LAWS THAT THEY CAN PASS SO THAT WE CAN INTO IT.

SO NOT A BIG DAY.

>> WELL, I GUESS RELATED TO THAT AND WE'VE BEEN UNDER IT FOR 2 YEARS NOW ARE USING PHRASES LIKE TURNING THE PAGE THE WORST IS BEHIND US ARE WE REALLY FACING AN EMERGENCY ANYMORE.

>> IT'S A LEGAL TOO THAT WE ARE USING TO PROVIDE THE FLEXIBILITY THAT'S NEEDED.

AND WHEN THE LEGISLATURE PASSES A LAW TO GET THAT FLEXIBILITY THAT'S NEEDED.

AND WILL DO AWAY WITH.

>> RELATED TO WHAT WE'RE SEEING GOING ON OVERSEAS RIGHT NOW WITH CASES STARTING TO INCREASE AGAIN IN EUROPE AND ASIA I WAS WANTING WHAT YOU ALL ARE EXPECTING HERE IN THE UNITED STATES IN THE NEXT SEVERAL WEEKS ARE WE LOOKING AT A POTENTIAL INCREASE IN CASES HERE AGAIN.

>> WELL, THE FIRST THING I WOULD SAY IS TO GET VACCINATED AND BOOSTED IF YOU HAPPEN BECAUSE THAT PROVIDE YOU THE BEST PROTECTION AGAINST THESE NEW VARIANTS THAT WE'RE SEEING ACROSS THE WORLD AND WHAT'S ALREADY HERE NOW.

AND IT'S IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT AS WE'RE TURNING THE PAGE ON THIS PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS IS GOING TO BE CRITICAL AND I'LL TURN IT OVER TO SECRETARY KINSLEY TO GIVE HIS THOUGHTS ON THAT.

>> THANKS FOR THE QUESTION ABSOLUTELY PREPAREDNESS IS WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT RIGHT NOW MAKING SURE THAT PEOPLE ARE UP TO DATE WITH THEIR VACCINE RIGHT NOW ONLY 53% OF PEOPLE FULLY VACCINATED ARE UP TO DATE AND HAD THAT BOOSTER SHOT, HE'S AN IMPORTANT WAY TO STAY AHEAD OF THE VARIANTS THAT WE'RE SEEING IN EUROPE AND OTHER VARIANTS THAT WILL COME.

WHAT WE'RE SEEING IN EUROPE RIGHT NOW IS THE SUBVARIANT OF OMICRON DRIVING INCREASED SPREAD.

WE BELIEVE IT'S ABOUT 30% MORE TRANSMISSIBLE THAT OMICRON ITSELF BUT THE IMMUNITY FROM OMICRON IN FROM VACCINES REMAINS VERY PROTECTIVE AGAINST THE MOST IMPORTANT THING WHICH IS SEVERE DISEASE ENDING UP IN THE HOSPITAL SO YOU KNOW WE'RE READY FOR THOSE WAYS WILL REMAIN VIGILANT.

WERE MAIN COMMUNICATING WITH NORTH CAROLINA ABOUT WHAT WE'RE SEEING AS A AS THAT COMES.

THIS QUESTION MAY BE FOR YOU SECRETARY KINSLEY BUT WITH WITH THE UPDATES ON THE METRICS IRAQ INTO DOING WEEKLY IF WE HAVE ANOTHER >> VERY AT THAT IMPACTS US LIKE DELTA OR OMICRON OR SOMETHING THAT WE WILL BE UPDATING THAT ANY MORE FREQUENTLY AND THAT KIND OF SCENARIO WILL IT STAY WEEKLY.

>> YOU WERE GOING TO REMAIN NIMBLE TO MAKE SURE THAT THE PUBLIC HAS THE INFORMATION THAT THEY NEED AND WILL EVALUATE THOSE SITUATIONS AS THEY COME AND WORK QUICKLY.

>> AND I SAID ONE LAST QUESTION FOR THE GOVERNOR JUST ON A ON A DIFFERENT TOPIC WE'VE WE'VE SEEN WITH RISING GAS PRICES SEVERAL STATES MOVING TO WAIVERS.

SUSPEND THE GAS TAX FOR A WHILE IS THAT SOMETHING YOU'VE THOUGHT ANY MORE ABOUT IN THE LAST SEVERAL DAYS AND ANYTHING YOU WOULD SUPPORT OR OPPOSE?

>> WELL, I'M ENCOURAGING INCREASED DOMESTIC PRODUCTION AND OUR ADMINISTRATION THE PRESIDENT AND HIS ADMINISTRATION NEGOTIATING WITH OTHER COUNTRIES TO INCREASE PRODUCTION IN NORTH CAROLINA.

WHAT I'M CONCERNED ABOUT WITH THAT IS MAKING SURE THAT THE COST SAVINGS WOULD BE PASSED ON TO CONSUMERS SO IT'S STILL ON THE TABLE FOR DISCUSSION BUT I REALLY WORRY ABOUT THAT PART OF IT.

>> THEREFORE I GOVERNOR SO TO GO BACK TO ACTUALLY I THINK THERE'S PROBABLY A QUESTION FOR MISTER CAN SLEEP.

I'M NOT SURE GO BACK TO WHAT YOU'RE SAYING ABOUT BOOSTERS BEING YOU KNOW OUR NUMBER ONE METHOD AND SHOTS WE'VE HAD A LOT OF THE NATIONAL LEVEL ABOUT THE POSSIBLE WANING OF IMMUNITY, BUT THAT PROTECTION FROM SOME OF THESE BOOSTERS.

I GUESS I'M WONDERING SOMEBODY WHO TAKES CARE OF AN ELDERLY PARENT TO KNOW IS THIS REALLY THE TIME TO BE LETTING OUR GUARD DOWN.

>> SO NUMBER ONE WE ARE MAKING SURE THAT WE INCREASE OUR PROTECTION AND INCREASE OUR GUARD BY CONTINUING TO A PUSH FOR VACCINES AND BOOSTERS THIS IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY THAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT AND BUSINESS IS ENCOURAGING THEIR EMPLOYEES TO GET VACCINATED AND BOOSTED, BUT I'LL LET SECRETARY KINSLEY ADDRESS THAT.

>> THE LATEST SCIENCE THAT WE HAVE CONTINUES TO SUPPORT THE BOOSTERS PROVIDE ROBUST PROTECTION AGAINST SEVERE DISEASE.

LEADING THE HOSPITALIZATION AND DEATH.

WE ARE WATCHING THAT CLOSELY.

THE CDC CONTINUES TO MEASURE EVERY MONTH AS WE GET FURTHER OUT FROM WHERE BOOSTERS BEGAN.

THE UNDERSTANDING OF THAT PROTECTION.

BUT A SECOND CONSIDERATION WILL BE NOT JUST THE WANING IMMUNITY, BUT WHEN IS THE RIGHT MOMENT FOR ANOTHER BOOSTER IF AT ALL.

YOU KNOW YOU WOULD ONE IT LIKELY MORE LINE TO WIN THERE'S AN EVEN HIGHER RISK OF EXPOSURE BECAUSE OF INCREASED TRANSMISSION SO THOSE ARE THE CONVERSATIONS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW WE'RE WATCHING THAT VERY CLOSELY BUT AS THE GOVERNOR SAID THIS IS KEEPING OUR GUARD HIGH BY MAKING SURE WE'RE PREPARED AND CONTINUING TO PUSH PEOPLE TO GET BOOSTED.

>> WHAT.

GIVE A TIME FRAME FOR WHEN YOU EXPECT TO SEE THE BA 2 VARIANT ON BECOME THE DOMINANT VARIANT IN NORTH CAROLINA.

WE.

>> WE'LL HAVE TO WATCH THAT EVEN DON'T KNOW EXACTLY WE HAVE TENDED TO TREND 4 TO 6 WEEKS BEHIND WHAT WE'RE SEEING IN EUROPE BUT THERE'S A LOT OF VARIABLES HERE.

>> WE'VE HEARD ON THE NATIONAL WELL ACTUALLY I ACTUALLY CONGRESSMAN BUTTERFIELD TELLING A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY TO TALK ABOUT.

TRYING TO GET THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO CONTINUE SUPPORTING COVID PREVENTION EFFORTS IN RELIEF EFFORTS ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT IS THERE A PROBLEM WITH A DWINDLING OF FEDERAL RESOURCES TO SORT OF COVER ALL THE THINGS THAT THE STATE'S BEEN DOING FOR THE PAST 2 YEARS.

YOU KNOW.

>> I'M ACTUALLY GOING TO HAVE DOCTOR KANSAGRA COME UP, BUT FIRST I WILL SAY YOU KNOW STAYING PREPARED AND HAVING THESE STOCKPILES IS INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT.

I'M MOST CONCERNED ABOUT OUR SUPPLY OF TESTING IN THE PRIVATE MARKETS IN THE FED ON THE UNIQUE ABILITY OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO MAINTAIN THOSE LEVELS OF SUPPLY BY PUSHING AND PROPPING UP THAT MARKET AND SO I HOPE THAT WE WILL SEE THAT FUNDING COME WE NEEDED TO STAY PREPARED.

THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO TAKE A STEP BACK BUT DOCTOR KANSAGRA?

>> THANK YOU SECRETARY THANKS FOR THE QUESTION.

YOU KNOW YET AS THE SECRETARY MENTIONED WE KNOW WE ARE INCREDIBLY CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT THE LACK OF FUNDING AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL MEANS TO US AT THE STATE LEVEL.

WE KNOW CERTAINLY THINGS LIKE VACCINE.

ALLOCATIONS PURCHASES OF ANTIVIRALS THOSE THINGS NEED TO HAPPEN IN ADVANCE WITH MANUFACTURERS TO MAKE SURE THERE'S ENOUGH SUPPLY AND WE'RE ALREADY AWARE THAT THAT WILL RESULT IN A REDUCTION FOR EXAMPLE IN MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY AVAILABILITY BY 30% STARTING NEXT WEEK SO WE'RE STARTING TO SEE THOSE IMPACTS RIGHT AWAY.

ANOTHER ONE OF THE IMMEDIATE IMPACTS IS THAT PROVIDERS WILL NO LONGER BE ABLE TO BUILD THROUGH THE HRSA UNINSURED PROGRAM AND SO THERE AGAIN PROVIDERS ACROSS THE STATE HAVE USED THIS PROGRAM TO PROVIDE CARE FOR THOSE.

THAT HAVE NEEDED IT AND THAT HAVE BEEN UNINSURED HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS GONE INTO NORTH CAROLINA PROVIDERS TO PROVIDE THIS CARE AND THERE AGAIN IS ANOTHER IMMEDIATE IMPACT THAT WE WILL EXPECT IF IF THERE IS NOT MORE FUNDING BACK TO THE STATES.

SO YES, YOU KNOW CONCERN AND WE'LL SEE SOME IMPACTS THANK YOU.

>> AND ONE LAST QUESTION FOR THE GOVERNOR AS YOU PROBABLY ARE AWARE OF THE SENATE'S US SENATE UNANIMOUSLY PASSED A RESOLUTION TO GO PERMANENT DAYLIGHT SAVINGS THIS WEEK.

YOU KNOW WE'VE HAD SOME TALK ABOUT THAT IN OUR STATE AS WELL WHAT'S YOUR TAKE ON THAT.

>> I PROBABLY WOULD JUST RATHER GO BACK TO STANDARD TIME STAY THERE.

THAT'S WHAT SLEEP EXPERTS CITE YOU SHOULD DO.

BUT I HAVEN'T THAT HASN'T BEEN THE MOST PRESSING ISSUE THIS WEEK THAT I WAS PRESSING THE DAY THAT WE ACTUALLY.

LEFT FOR IT WAS PRESSING FOR ABOUT 48 HOURS BUT WHAT CONGRESS DO WITH THAT AND I WANT TO SAY ON THE FEDERAL FUNDING.

IT IS CRUCIAL.

IF WE'VE LEARNED ANY LESSONS IS THAT WE HAVE TO BE PREPARED.

AND THE WAY TO KEEP THIS VIRUS AT BAY IS TO BE READY FOR IT.

AND I WAS ON A CALL WITH THE WHITE HOUSE AND OTHER GOVERNORS ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

THE OTHER DAY I MADE THIS POINT.

FEDERAL INVESTMENT KEEPS THE PRODUCTION OF TESTS AND TREATMENTS.

HI, WHICH IS WHAT WE WANT WE'VE SEEN HOW FAST A SURGE CAN CAN COME.

SO WE HAVE TO BE READY.

AND ALREADY THEY'VE TALKED ABOUT BECAUSE CONGRESS FAILED TO PASS THE ADDITIONAL FUNDING IN THIS SLASH LEGISLATION WE'VE ALREADY SEEN A 30% REDUCTION AND MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY TREATMENT THAT WE RECEIVED FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT NOW WE CAN MANAGE THAT NOW BECAUSE THINGS ARE LOW.

THAT'S THE KIND OF THING THAT WE REALLY CAN'T AFFORD.

SO YOU'RE GOING TO SEE US CONTINUE TO PUSH FOR FEDERAL FUNDING BECAUSE IT'S PART OF BEING READY.

>> HI GOVERNOR SO MANY PEOPLE ACROSS THE STATE GOT THEIR BOOSTERS ROUGHLY ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO.

AND BY THAT 6 MONTH ROLE A LOT OF PEOPLE WOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR ANOTHER BOOSTER.

KIND OF IN THE SPRING TIME IS THERE ANY PLAN TO MAKE A 4TH VACCINE AVAILABLE TO THIS POPULATION.

>> SO I KNOW THAT WE ARE WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE CDC AND THEY ARE MONITORING ALL OF THIS, BUT I'M GONNA LET SECRETARY KINSLEY TO ADDRESS THAT ISSUE.

>> AND I'LL HAVE DOCTOR KANSAGRA COME BACK UP AS WELL BUT JUST TO EMPHASIZE THAT RIGHT NOW THERE IS NOT GUIDANCE FROM THE CDC FOR A 4TH SHOT.

WE REMAIN THAT AFTER YOUR BOOSTER YOU ARE UP TO DATE WITH YOUR VACCINE.

SO GETTING THAT SHOT IS IS WHAT YOU NEED.

>> THANKS SECRETARY YES, YOU KNOW THAT THE DATA AROUND AN ADDITIONAL BOOSTER DOSES BEING STUDIED NOW WE KNOW THAT THE FDA IS LOOKING AT THIS WITH DATA THAT HAS BEEN SUBMITTED BY PFIZER IN AS WE LOOK AT WHAT IS HAPPENING ACROSS CLINICAL TRIALS NOW THERE IS THERE IS RECOMMENDATIONS ALSO FOR IMMUNOCOMPROMISED INDIVIDUALS NOW THAT'S A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT AND YOU KNOW INCREASES THE NUMBER OF DOSES THAT SOMETHING MIGHT NEED AS THEIR PRIMARY SERIES AND THEN A BOOSTER LEADING TO 4 SHOTS FOR THOSE INDIVIDUALS RIGHT NOW, BUT FOR THE GENERAL POPULATION THAT IS WHERE WE'RE STILL WAITING ON THE DATA.

WE SEE WHAT FDA AND CDC RECOMMEND AND THEN TAKE OUR CUES FROM THEM THANK YOU.

>> AND SECRETARY COMPLETELY THE NUMBER OF YOU SAID THAT THE NUMBER OF POSITIVE TEST RESULT IS NOT NECESSARILY GOING TO BE A PRIMARY INDICATOR.

FOR THE STATE MOVING FORWARD.

I'M WONDERING WHAT WAS SORT OF BEHIND THAT DECISION THOMAS DOWNGRADE THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TESTING SYSTEM.

>> OVER TIME WE HAVE SEEN TESTING REALLY MODERNIZE AND BECOME MORE AND MORE AVAILABLE WHICH IS WONDERFUL, INCLUDING THE FACT THAT MANY PEOPLE CAN GET ACCESS TO RAPID AT-HOME TESTS THAT ARE AVAILABLE FOR THEM WHICH GIVES THEM INFORMATION ABOUT WHAT THEIR RISK AND ALSO GIVE THEM INFORMATION ABOUT HOW TO MOVE THROUGH THE WORLD FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS.

AND SO THAT'S IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THEM TO HAVE BUT IT'S NOT INFORMATION THAT WE READILY HAVE WAS REPORTED TO US.

YOU KNOW WE HAVE LOOKED AT THE POTENTIAL OF HOW TO GET ACCESS TO THAT INFORMATION UNFORTUNATELY IT'S NOT SOMETHING WE CAN DO WITH A GREAT DEAL OF CONFIDENCE IN QUALITY, YOU KNOW IT'S STILL THE CASES THAT ARE REPORTED TO US THROUGH OTHER MECHANISMS REMAIN AN IMPORTANT METRIC FOR US TO SEE TRENDS AND DISPROPORTIONATE IMPACT ON CERTAIN GROUPS BUT THAT TOTAL NUMBER OF TESTING AND COLLECTING ALL THOSE TEST IS NOT THE MOST VALUABLE METRIC RIGHT NOW.

>> AND GOVERNOR QUICK QUESTION ABOUT UKRAINE THINGS ARE OBVIOUSLY RAMPING UP IN EUROPE.

THE U.S. IS PROVIDING SIGNIFICANT AID TO UKRAINE AND NATO FORCES, I'M WONDERING IF THERE BEEN ANY DISCUSSIONS ON A STATE LEVEL OF PROVIDING ANY ASSISTANCE.

TO THESE FORCES OVERSEAS AND ANY MESSAGE YOU HAVE TO FAMILIES OF THE THOUSANDS OF TROOPS FROM FORT BRAGG THAT HAVE BEEN DEPLOYED OVER THERE.

>> NORTH CAROLINA STANDS WITH UKRAINE IN ITS FIGHT FOR FREE THE FREEDOM AGAINST TYRANNY FROM THE RUSSIAN INVASION PUTINS WAR.

I'VE ALREADY ISSUED AN EXECUTIVE ORDER REQUIRING STATE ENTITIES TO DO AWAY WITH CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS PRODUCTS WITH RUSSIA TO SEND A STRONG SIGNAL.

WE'VE ALSO RE UPPED OUR EFFORTS TO SUPPORT FAMILIES OF TROOPS THAT WE KNOW ARE OVERSEAS RIGHT NOW GIVING THEM A LITANY OF RESOURCES FROM THE STATE.

ALSO MY OWN CHURCH AND OTHERS ARE SENDING AID PRIVATE COMPANIES CHURCHES NONPROFITS ARE SENDING AID OVER AND I STRONGLY SUPPORT THE FEDERAL FUNDING THAT'S OCCURRING NOW TO HELP UKRAINE IN ITS EFFORTS.

>> HI GOVERNOR, AVI BAJPAI WITH NEWS AND OBSERVER.

I WAS WONDERING IF YOU COULD TALK ABOUT YOU TALKED ABOUT TODAY, THE NEXT PHASE OF THIS PANDEMIC.

OUR IS NORTH CAROLINA CLOSER TO REACHING THE END OF NEXT STAGE OF THIS PANDEMIC AND HOW FAR ARE WE FROM THAT.

>> SO I'M GONNA LET HEALTH EXPERTS AND MAYBE A DOCTOR TALK ABOUT THAT STAGE I KNOW THAT WE.

OUR HAVE TURNED THE CORNER ON THIS PANDEMIC AND WE BELIEVE THAT THE WORST IS OVER.

TODAY IS ABOUT HOW WE APPROACH THE FUTURE.

THE PLAN FOR PREPARING.

INFORMING.

BUT ALSO ENCOURAGING INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY AND EMPOWERMENT HERE.

I'M HOWEVER GOING TO LEAVE THOSE TERMS UP TO US SO I'LL TURN IT OVER TO YOU SECRETARY KINSLEY >> THANK YOU AS THE GOVERNOR SAID YOU KNOW RIGHT NOW WE ARE FOCUSED ON HOW DO WE ENSURE THAT WE'RE PREPARED AND WE HAVE BUILT THOSE TOOLS TO REALLY BE ABLE TO MANAGE THIS DISEASE AND A VERY DIFFERENT WAY THAN WE COULD BEFORE.

WE KNOW THAT THIS VIRUS HAS BEEN ABLE TO THROW CURVE BALLS BEFORE WHICH IS WHY STAYING VIGILANT IS IMPORTANT FOR US.

THE TERMINOLOGY OF ENDEMIC IS SOMETHING THAT WILL REALLY BE ABOUT LOOKING BACKWARDS TO SEEING OVER TIME HOW THIS IS BEING MANAGED AND IF WE'RE GETTING INTO MORE OF A STEADY STATE.

SO THAT IS YET TO BE SEEN.

>> IS IS JUST TO FOLLOW UP AND THAT IS I THINK THE CDC TALKED ABOUT BROAD IMMUNITY AS ONE OF THE CRITERION FOR REACHING THAT STAGE IS THAT SOMETHING THAT YOU'RE IS THAT SORT OF THE MAIN METRIC GOING FORWARD TO DETERMINE.

WHEN NORTH CAROLINA'S AT THAT STAGE OR AT THAT POINT.

>> A BROAD BROAD IMMUNITY AS WE AS WE HAVE OUTLINED IS A KEY FACTOR IN BEING PREPARED AND WE KNOW FROM DATA AND SAMPLING OF BLOOD DONATIONS THAT YOUR 94.3% OF NORTH CAROLINIANS HAVE SOME LEVEL OF IMMUNITY TO THIS VIRUS.

BUT IT'S IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT VARIANCES THEY SHIFT CAN EVADE IMMUNITY AND MAKE THAT IMMUNITY NOT PROVIDE THE SAME PROTECTION AS IT WOULD FOR OTHER VARIANTS WHICH IS WHY IT IS IT'S NOT IN AN ONLY METRIC AND THERE ISN'T ONE METRIC WE HAVE TO LOOK AT ALL OF THESE THINGS IN CONCERT.

>> OKAY WHEN IT WILL NOW GO TO THE PHONES.

FOR ANY MEDIA QUESTIONS THERE.

>> OUR FIRST QUESTION IS FROM RICHARD CRAVER WITH THE WINSTON-SALEM JOURNAL.

YES GOVERNOR COOPER SECRETARY KINSLEY I JUST WANT TO ASK A QUESTION ABOUT.

IF THERE'S ANY CONCERNS.

>> ABOUT THE LOW VACCINATION RATE AMONG K THROUGH 12 STUDENTS, ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING MOST SCHOOL DISTRICTS HAVE GONE TO THE MASK OPTIONAL STATUS.

>> WE ARE ENCOURAGING VACCINES FOR EVERYONE WHO IS ELIGIBLE, INCLUDING CHILDREN AND I'LL TURN THAT SECRETARY KINSLEY.

>> THIS IS SO IMPORTANT WE KNOW THAT VACCINES BE PROVIDE THE BEST PROTECTION AGAINST SEVERE DISEASE LEADING TO HOSPITALIZATION AND DEATH AND WE ALSO KNOW THAT KIDS CAN AND DO GET COVID AND TRAGICALLY SOMETIMES END UP IN VERY SEVERE SITUATION SO GETTING FOLKS VACCINATED IS INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT.

BUT OVERALL WE ALSO KNOW BECAUSE OF THE VACCINATION LEVELS IN COMMUNITIES AND IN HOUSEHOLDS AND BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON CHILDREN THAT KIDS IN SCHOOLS IN PARTICULAR ARE LOW RISK SETTINGS AND SO THAT'S THE BALANCE WE WANT TO ENCOURAGE PARENTS TO TALK TO THEIR PEDIATRICIAN TO TAKE THEIR CHILD IN TO GET VACCINATED.

NEXT QUESTION PLEASE.

>> OUR NEXT QUESTION IS FROM MICHAEL PERCHICK WOULD WTVD.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON.

WE HAVE SCHOOLS AND LOCAL UNIVERSITIES GOING ON SPRING BREAK OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS AND ALREADY BEGUN DOING SO THAT OF COURSE IS COINCIDING WITH AN INCREASE IN CASES INTERNATIONALLY AND A LOT OF MANDATES AND RESTRICTIONS BEING DROPPED DOMESTICALLY WAS THERE ANY THOUGHT PROCESS LOOKING AT THE SCHEDULE TO MAYBE DELAY SOME OF THESE DECISIONS OR ANNOUNCEMENTS UNTIL A POTENTIALLY EARLY APRIL WHEN MOST STUDENTS HAVE RETURNED.

I KNOW LOCAL UNIVERSITIES TYPICALLY HAVE SEEN SOME SORT OF SPIKE WHEN THEY DO RETURN FROM THEIR SUMMER BREAK EARLY SPRING BREAK.

I JUST MET SO MANY STUDENTS TRAVELING AND THEN BEING IN A TIGHT AREAS.

WITH ONE ANOTHER FOR PROLONGED PERIODS OF TIME.

>> SO IT'S BEEN A WHILE SINCE WE'VE HAD IN THE STATE GOVERNMENT REQUIREMENTS OR MANDATES.

WHAT WE'VE BEEN ENCOURAGING AND WHAT WE ARE SPECIFICALLY ENCOURAGING TODAY.

IS PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND EMPOWERMENT THE STUDENTS CAN BE VACCINATED AND BOOSTED TO PROTECT THEMSELVES.

IF SOME OF THEM HAVE PARTICULAR ISSUES THAT THEY'RE CONCERNED ABOUT THEY COULD CONTINUE TO WEAR A MASK.

SO WE ARE AT THIS POINT IN TIME BECAUSE OUR NUMBERS ARE LOW WE'VE GOT BETTER METRICS TO TRY TO DETERMINE WHERE WE ARE AND HOW TO PREVENT THINGS AND WE HAVE TOOLS THAT WE HAVEN'T HAD BEFORE THAT WILL HELP US MANAGE THIS.

SECRETARY KINSLEY WOULD YOU WANT TO SAY SOMETHING OKAY.

NEXT QUESTION PLEASE.

>> YOU ARE FINAL QUESTIONS THAT WILL CONCLUDE TODAY'S NEED EVERYTHING IS FROM CLEAR DONNELLY WITH W AFTER YOU.

>> THE CAKE IS LEAVING FOR TAKING MY QUESTION IS CLEAR NOT ONLY WITH THE USA II.

>> I WANT TO KNOW HOW EXACTLY THE DATA DASHBOARD WILL LOOK DIFFERENT SO THERE WON'T BE ANY CASE COUNT OR A TEST POSITIVITY RATE CLOSE TO THAT ALL.

>> OR JUST THEIR WEEKLY LOOK BACK AT THOSE NUMBERS.

THANKS.

>> SURE THINK SO THE QUESTION WILL BE PUTTING OUT MORE INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO THE DASHBOARD IN THE MAKEUP RIGHT NOW WHAT WE'RE DOING IS WE'RE UPDATING THE FIRST PAGE OF THE DASHBOARD TO LINES THE METRICS THAT WE JUST DISCUSSED, WE'LL BE UPDATING THEM WEEKLY.

FOR A WHILE WE'LL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE DAILY UPDATES ON SOME OF THE MORE.

DE PERE PAGES OF THE DASHBOARD THAT MANY OF YOU MAY BE FAMILIAR WITH THE ROUND CASE RATES AND OF COURSE VACCINATION RATES BREAKING DOWN THAT INFORMATION DEMOGRAPHICALLY GEOGRAPHICALLY ET CETERA.

AND SO THOSE CHANGES WILL COME OVER TIME, BUT RIGHT NOW THE FRONT PAGE OF THE DASHBOARD WILL ALIGN TO THOSE METRICS THAT I JUST SPOKE ABOUT WE'LL BE ROLLING THOSE CHANGES OUT NEXT WEEK.

NEXT QUESTION PLEASE.

WAS THERE A FOLLOW-UP.

NOT A FOLLOW UP OKAY GREAT.

THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING WITH US TODAY.