>> Well good afternoon, everybody and thank you for joining today's briefing.

Before we discuss covid I want to update you on the impacts of tropical storm Fred in western North Carolina.

I've declared a state of emergency for this storm and spoken to numerous local officials to offer assistance.

Our emergency management team is working closely with local emergency management western North Carolina on search and rescue.

Approximately 250 public safety personnel are conducting rescue operations by boat and aircraft.

Heywood in Transylvania counties were especially hit hard seeing as much as 12 inches of rain over the last couple of days.

Initial unconfirmed reports in certain communities show water levels reaching 3 to 7 feet higher than their previous high watermark.

Overnight approximately 98 people were rescued as River flooding happened quickly.

And reports of missing people continued overnight in today.

Up to 50,000 people lost power during the storms and now that number has been reduced to 11,600 people who are still without power.

Crews are working to assess damage and get people reconnected.

All major interstates are open right now.

We do have 6 main road closures in 49 secondary road closures that the North Carolina Department of Transportation is working to assess.

And reopen as soon as we can.

With more rain in the forecast for the end of the week, we know that more flooding is possible.

North Carolina's all too familiar with that is devastating flood events and will continue to monitor and provide support from the state level.

Our prayers are with families and businesses that have been affected.

We want to thank everybody involved in rescue efforts and power and road restoration work.

And in North Carolina emergency management director will Ray along with transportation secretary Eric Boyette will take questions on this the end of the presentation.

But now I want to talk about COVID-19.

As of today we've had 1 million 131 thousand 243 cases.

5,256 new cases reported since yesterday.

2,930 people in the hospital that number is rising.

And sadly, 13,952 people have died.

Today we'll share updates and our states metrics but first I want to announce the final winners of the North Carolina's your shot at a million and cash for college scholarship drawings.

The final winner of our million dollar cash drawing is lily flour he's from east bend in yet content County.

She's in her senior year in North Carolina State University and lily I'd like to ask you to come up and join us and she's been she told us she's willing to answer a couple questions force.

So lily high.

Why did you choose to get vaccinated and what would you say to people on the fence who are thinking about getting vaccinated.

>> Well I chose to get vaccinated because I was transferring from her early College and last year junior year of college I wasn't able to live in Raleigh.

But now I'm in my senior state I'm in Raleigh.

It's a bigger city, more risks and I decided it was probably time for me to.

Get vaccinated and what I would say to somebody who is on the fence about getting vaccinated is to just it's a personal choice, you know, just do your research with that.

To with the sources you Dean rely reliable.

And that's probably all in.

>> Lily anything you want to share with us about what you might want to do with your prize money.

>> Prefer I think probably just may be in the same way Tom going by House, however in the short term I do want to take my my baby cousin Kinsley who loves else and Mickey to Disney World when it is safer to do so.

>> Thanks a lot really that's a great story about why teachers get vaccinated and thanks for sharing with us.

We also have our final scholarship player with us 15 year-old breeland Dean lives in Garner as a rising high School sophomore.

Relenza student athlete whose parents will quickly tell you about her 4.8 grade point average.

She's here and she's also agreed to answer a couple of questions for us, thanks Brian for coming up.

Breeland if you could tell us why you chose to get vaccinated and what you say to people who are still deciding whether they should get a shot.

>> I chose to get vaccinated because it will protect me my family and others around me to prevent any of the spread of the virus.

To the people who haven't been vaccinated and unsure.

I would say that.

You should maybe taking some consideration of how this virus has affected the world.

If you would like to protect the ones you love please get this Myers.

>> Really that's a great message anything you might want to share with us about what you'd like to study in school with this college scholarship.

>> I have not put into the thought of what I would like to study however, I'm leaning towards UNC Chapel Hill to continue my studies.

>> That's great thanks breeland we're so happy for you and happy that you and your family chose to get vaccinated and that you'll get this significant scholarship opportunity because of that thank you.

Cash drawings of ended there's good news.

You can still get your vaccine and be protected against this deadly virus and in many places you can get a $100 cash card.

Just for getting your shot.

And with our COVID-19 numbers getting higher vaccinations are the best way to bring them down.

The vaccines are safe effective and free.

With the vaccine, you protect yourself from the risk of hospitalization or death.

Without it you're vulnerable.

And the statistics bear that out the fast majority of people in the hospital or dying with COVID-19 are unvaccinated.

I recently ordered that state government Cabinet agencies require state employees to verify that they've been vaccinated.

For those who don't for requiring weekly testing and mask.

I urge to the private sector to join us and requiring vaccines and I'm proud that many local and national businesses have done just that.

Businesses like Tyson foods are requiring employees vaccinations and many restaurants and other businesses are requiring them for customers.

I think that's good.

Today we have Janine Benson from live nation entertainment with us.

Live nation puts on concerts and events across the country including several major venues right here in North Carolina.

They're requiring all of their employees to be vaccinated and they're taking steps to make sure that concert goers are too.

This policy will encourage more people to get their shots and by doing their part to end this pandemic in creating a safe environment for their customers at the same time.

They're helping to keep our economy thriving.

I'd like to ask miss Benson to share a few words about why live nation has implemented this policy.

Thank you governor Cooper for inviting me here today.

>> Live nation is committed to finding the best ways for shows to continue into bring live music back to North Carolina after almost 2 years apart, it's been truly amazing to see the community reunite as they get to enjoy live music and gathering together again.

Bring concerts back has also given us the opportunity to get a ton of people back to work we're working to ensure that we're continuing to do the shows in the best way for staff artists crew members fans and our community as the leader in live live nation is implementing a proof of full vaccination or proof of negative test in all of our venues beginning October 4th.

We've tried this model at a variety of events including Lollapalooza.

Where we saw in 90% of fans bring their proof of vaccination and 12% of fans, it was a reason to get vaccinated locally we just did a show at coastal credit union music Park with the dead and company.

We saw 70% of fans provide proof of vaccination it's been great to see that this model has encourage people to go out and get vaccinated which is one of the best things we can all do to take care of one another.

Thanks to governor Cooper.

And Mandy Cohen and the rest of our local and state leaders for supporting our industry through this really looking forward to continuing to bring the magic of live music to North Carolina.

>> Thanks a lot Jeanne.

Thank you for showing the type of corporate and business leadership that we need to end this pandemic once and for all.

As most of our K through 12 schools prepare to open their doors next week for fall semester.

We've seen many North Carolina school districts step up to require masks and other safety protocols for their students and staff.

This includes several hoop reversed course in recent days and are now requiring masks.

I continue to strongly urge all school leaders to make mass mandatory for students staff and visitors.

Require masks in schools will help us keep students learning in the classroom.

While helping to keep COVID-19 out.

We want schools to educate children not become hotspots for the virus.

And I commend the school leaders are looking out for the health of their students and their staff.

I'd now like to ask doctor Mandy Cohen our secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human services to share an update.

On our latest North Carolina numbers dot co. >> Thank you governor and congratulations lily and breeland thank you for sharing your stories and encouraging young people to get vaccinated now and thank you to live nation.

I hope employers across the state will follow your lead so we can end this pandemic for good.

With our trends moving in the wrong direction we need everyone coming together to help people get vaccinated let's take a look at our latest data.

This first graph looks at people who come to the emergency department with covid-like symptoms.

This is our earliest detection mechanism and you can see when looking at that yellow line it's been rising rapidly over the month of July and is now much higher then where we were last summer.

We look at new covid cases this first graph shows you the trajectory of new cases each day since we had our first case in March of 2020.

The large peak, you see happened early in January before vaccines are widely available.

Now look to the right side of the grass and look how steep that line is we are experiencing the fastest acceleration in cases since the pandemic started.

If cases keep increasing at the current rate we will pass that January peak in a matter of weeks.

Now let's zoom in and look at just the last few weeks of cases on this graph we're looking at cases from the middle of June through today.

And you can see following that yellow line at our cases have increased rapidly and we're now averaging about 5,000 new covid cases each and every day.

This rapid increases because of the Delta variant of the COVID-19 which spreads more easily then the original virus, leaving unvaccinated people very vulnerable.

Our case rates are highest for those 18 through 24 years of age followed by people ages, 24 through 49.

These age groups also have lower vaccination rates which I'll show you in a later slide.

Next we look at the percent of tests that are positive.

This graph also goes back to the middle of June and looking at the yellow line you can see our percent of positive tests has been above 10% throughout August.

And today is at 13% which is much higher than our goal of being under 5%.

With a more contagious Delta variant rapidly spreading anyone who has symptoms of covid or has been exposed to covid should get tested as soon as possible.

And remember we have a treatment for covid that must be given within 10 days of your first covid symptom which makes timely identification that you have covid even more important.

While vaccinations are by far the best protection from covid related hospitalizations and deaths as well as complications from the virus.

The treatment which is a monoclonal antibody therapy may reduce the risk of hospitalization and severity of symptoms.

But again the treatment must be given within 10 days of your first covid symptoms you can find out more information on the street about this treatment on our COVID-19 website.

On our next graph we look at day over day hospitalizations this graph also starts in mid-june and you can see looking at the yellow line that this trend has also increased rapidly.

Today we have nearly 3,000 people in the hospital for covid and 2 at sorry and 725 people in the intensive care unit with covid.

Last week North Carolina experienced the largest single-day jump in ICU admissions since the beginning of the pandemic.

This trend is alarming our hospitals are strained and many have limited capacity already.

Hospitals are managing now by proactively scaling back non urgent procedures and working with one another to transfer patients so that people get the care they need.

But this is exactly the situation we've been working to avoid.

It is imperative that everyone get vaccinated and wear a mask so hospital beds are there for anyone who needs one whether it's someone experiencing a heart attack.

We're a car accident victim or someone with COVID-19.

This next slide looks at what's happening at the local level and this is a map from the CDC.

That shows a level of community transmission in North Carolina red is high orange is substantial yellow is moderate blue is low and unfortunately you'll see all of North Carolina counties are red with the highest levels of viral transmission.

That means everyone in North Carolina should be following the CDC guidance and wearing a mask in indoor public spaces until more people are vaccinated and viral transmissions decreased to at least moderate or low levels.

All schools should require mask to keep everyone in school for in-person learning.

Last week governor Cooper state health director doctor Betsy Tilson and I sent a letter to local school boards urging them to fully implement the health protections in North Carolina strong schools NC tool kit to protect school students and staff this new school year.

I'm pleased to see that many have rethought masking and are now requiring face coverings we need all to do so.

As we move to look at our vaccinations there is good news.

North Carolina providers have now administered more than 10 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines and more people have been getting vaccinated over the past few weeks.

Our trends would look significantly worse if we didn't have as many people vaccinated as we do now.

Today 56% of North Carolinians ages, 12 and older are fully vaccinated 59% of those 18 and older are fully vaccinated and 85% of those 65 and older are fully vaccinated.

Our last slide.

Today's a new one it shows the percent of the population fully vaccinated by age groups as I said earlier our case rates are highest for those 18 to 24.

And as you can see that only 37% of that age group are fully vaccinated I also noted that we also saw an all time high for new admissions for children under the age of 18.

Only 30% of our young people ages 12 to 17 are vaccinated anyone under 12 doesn't have the option right now to get vaccinated they're relying on us to protect them by getting ourselves vaccinated and wearing masks.

If you haven't gotten vaccinated yet I urge you to do so now to protect yourself your community and those who cannot be vaccinated North Carolina recent data shows that unvaccinated people are more than 4 times.

That's 400% more likely to get COVID-19 then people who are fully vaccinated new CDC data today should reaffirms that vaccines continue to be remarkably effective in reducing the risk of severe disease hospitalization and death even against the widely circulating Delta variant.

Nearly all the cases of severe disease hospitalization and death continue to occur.

Amongst those who are not yet vaccinated at all.

We see this in North Carolina where a hospital leaders continue to share that almost everyone in the ICU the intensive care unit.

And on a ventilator is an vaccinated bottom line is that vaccines save lives.

There's new CDC guidance for people who are moderate to severely immunocompromised the CDC recommends that if you are immunocompromised and you received either the Moderna or the Pfizer vaccine that you get an additional dose for better protection from COVID-19 emerging data suggest that some people with moderate to severely compromised immune systems do not always build the same level of immunity after vaccination compared with people who are not immunocompromised so in addition to continue to protect against severe illness hospitalization and death from COVID-19.

So head into the winter, the White House today announced that it's planning to support booster shots for the general population boosters will be available after September 20th pending full review by the FDA and CDC.

Once authorized people who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines will be eligible for a booster starting 8 months after their second dose.

So we're at a critical point in the trajectory of this pandemic we have a high levels of the highly contagious covid virus circulating in our state and hospital capacity is already strained.

But we have the tools to save lives and ensure our hospitals can provide care to those who need it.

To weather this storm backs up mask up and urge others to do the same.

If you're already vaccinated talk with your unvaccinated family and friends share your experience, help them get accurate information and urged them to get their shot now.

It could save their lives.

Thank you governor.

Thanks doctor Cohen.

This is not where we want to be.

>> But we have a sure way out vaccines.

Last year we wondered when this when and how we can best protect ourselves.

The difference now is that we have the most powerful tool against this virus.

A safe effective vaccine.

We're putting all of our energy and laser focus on the vaccination effort.

I've asked the president to authorize more National Guard help so we can get vaccines to communities across the state.

Vaccines are available everywhere schools gyms communities.

Centers doctors offices pharmacies health departments.

Volunteers are even reaching out to people one-on-one offering information and rides.

It's encouraging that our State's vaccine right has increased in recent weeks.

We need to double down on that progress talk with your friends and family about why it's important for all of us to get our shots to protect each other.

If you're an employer.

Join businesses like to live nation.

And require employees and customers to be vaccinated or tested regularly.

If you haven't gotten vaccinated make time to get your shot and talk with your doctor today.

And throughout it all.

Never lose sight of our North Carolina, resilient spirit.

We can be covid for good.

As I said with me today is our director of emergency management will Ray and our department of Transportation secretary Eric Boyette along with doctor Cohen our secretary of Department of Health human services.

Monica mcghee and lee williamson are our sign language interpreters and behind the scenes, Jackie and jasmine the TV are our Spanish language interpreters.

Well now take some questions from the media who are here in person.

And will begin with uber.

I governor thinks that I have a quick and getting only have 3 quick questions for you've been get you've been climbing that's for sure.

>> I just wanted to ask to start with would you sign any budget that would in any way limit your abilities as a governor to respond to an emergency.

>> So we are in the middle of a public health crisis and we do not need to alter the emergency management act at this time I'm going to asked the speaker and the president pro tem to that provision out of the budget.

We hope that they will House bill 8 '05 from speaker Moore would impose tougher penalties on those who engage in violent protests.

But some have expressed concerns about.

>> A chilling effect on their free speech or right to assembly rights.

I'm curious where you stand on this issue and if you plan on signing it if it gets to your desk.

>> Well we should not have riots in people who are take part in riots should be prosecuted that needs to be said first.

But also we've made significant.

Proposals about racial equity in the criminal justice system and some important common sense change it promises changes that need to be made and that bill doesn't include any of them so I have real concerns about it particularly when it's by itself without these other issues that the Legislature has been discussing so I will review that legislation I'm going to talk with legislative leaders.

We need to tackle the racial equity issue in the criminal justice system.

>> And last one just with regard to some of the graphics that we saw earlier in the presentation, North Carolina is map is completely red right now.

6 months ago masks were required statewide and they were required in schools and now we're seeing the worst levels of of all available metrics in the last 6 months.

Are you open or are you actively considering reimposing these mask mandates for schools in the general public.

>> We're going to continue to put the health and safety of North Carolinians first and all options remain on the table.

However we are at a different point in this pandemic than we were before we have effective safe vaccines.

So many people are continuing to get vaccinated we know that's the way out.

>> Businesses schools.

>> Know what to do with masks and safety protocols.

>> And many of them more and more every day are adopting them we're getting more and more local by and on doing the things we need to do to protect people.

So right now we're going to focus our energy on vaccinations but all the other issues are there and available for us to use if we need to thank you.

>> Sure I heard a couple questions related to masks initially we've seen here in wake County some cities and towns are adopting mask mandates some are not as you mentioned some of the schools are some aren't is this piecemeal approach really an effective way to deal with the surge that we're experiencing right now.

>> As I said earlier people know what to do to protect themselves and what we see is I think mandates at a local level are more affected because there is more buy in and a better way to enforce.

I'm particularly concerned about masks in our schools, particularly with children that can't even be vaccinate get but I'm encouraged by the fact that system after system is rethinking this we're going to see some more in the coming days of schools that are getting the by and already we have I think over 75% of students in North Carolina right now are covered by mandatory mask mandate.

We hope that that continues to rise and we encourage local governments to take action to protect their citizens and if it is that you want the schools to mandate masks why are you still so reluctant at this point to just tell them you have to do this.

>> Well first I think you get more effective by in when it is done at the local level and decisions are being made at the local level particularly now with all of the knowledge that we have.

>> And I know that doctor Cohen doctor Tilson.

A lot of our medical providers had been on the phone with local elections board they're educating them on this.

They're becoming more and more receptive the need to do this.

I think it's a better way to do it right now.

>> And then last question related to the booster shots can you give us an idea of what preparations you all have made and what that process is going to look like is it going to be different than the first time around mass vaccination sites and we'll see that again it kind of gives an idea what this is going to look like in the next weeks we are ready for the 3rd.

>> Shot for those who are immunocompromised and we are ready for the booster shots when they come we're going to be ready to be fully operational but I will let doctor Cohen address that specifically.

>> Thanks governor and so let me reiterate for those who are immunocompromised right now they could go to any of our vaccine site and get the the additional dose.

If they're immunocompromised what the White House announced today is coming in September but no sooner than September 20th.

There's going to be likely in availability for a booster shot meaning a 3rd dose of that same vaccine, either Pfizer or Moderna I think we're still looking for additional guidance from the CDC and the FDA how are they authorizing it are they going to do it for certain age groups are certain subsets of populations we will be ready for all those permutations.

I think we're in a different place than we were at the beginning where we have a much more robust pharmacy program in terms of being able to vaccinate as well as doctors offices now all have that notion say all we're encouraging even more of them to get get vaccines.

But more doctors offices have vaccines.

And so we have more access points.

So I think we're going to be really rethinking over the next couple of weeks as we get more guidance from CDC and FDA, how should we think about red getting ourselves ready for those 3rd booster shots but we have a lot of different permutations already been on the phone with our vaccine providers in asking them how do they want to scale up.

I think this is one of the places where I am concerned because at the same time we're asking our same vaccine providers to do more.

We're having these surges in our hospitals and seeing our our frontline health care workers get pulled to take care of very sick folks in the hospital so we definitely have a lot of work ahead of us and that's why we need everyone to get vaccinated right away as well as wear a mask get tested and do all the things we know that can slow the spread this virus.

Thank you thank you.

>> And some severe weather questions.

So director, what's to come up short.

>> Will recognize will Rea R. Director of emergency management.

Covid break and come back though.

Director will start with this what you know when people think of flooding in these severe weather events normally especially this time of year we think of the coast.

>> One of the unique challenges of this happening out West in particular what happens with mudslides and and different things like that and what are we learning about conditions on the ground.

>> So thanks to John first I will say we're so fortunate to have the partners that we do in our local jurisdictions in the western part of North Carolina.

We are fortunate to have the partnerships that we have in the state emergency response team and could not be more proud to work with the public safety professionals that we do as the governor mentioned.

We have over 250 personnel in addition to one is that we're sent via mutual aid County to County that are in western North Carolina right now to provide that critical assistance and are just incredibly thankful for for all of them and their agencies and just want to say thank you to them right now.

Certainly over the course of the day yesterday we saw the the threat change very rapidly water began to rise very quickly.

And cause some of what you mentioned with some of the landslides some of the damage to roads and other infrastructure and so and the our major concern was flash flooding and so that is the reason that we put the resources in that area of the state that we did for particularly for a swift water rescue.

They are continuing to operate today, I'm doing surveys wide area search as well as continuing rescues for individuals that are in structures or are somehow cut off from from main main roads.

So it is still very much active response is ongoing there.

Minutes and we are committed to stay there as long as that part of the state needs it as the governor mentioned the bulk of the impact right now does seem to be in Heywood in Transylvania counties and we will continue to put support from the state emergency response team in western North Carolina, as long as it's needed.

What are the challenges in terms of getting to places you know it's tough to put a boat in the mountains.

>> So how do you get to people I heard that and there are reports of first like 30 people still missing or unaccounted for kids get to school can get home what do we know about that.

>> So I think again as secretary boy yet and his team with dot have done a really great job keeping our major interstates open.

We do have all all major interstates are open so we do have some thoroughfares into those impacted impacted communities either the ground water or via air.

We have a number of resources from the National Guard and the state Highway Patrol that are and a civil air patrol.

That are in the area operating be able to move either resources or people or or move them out of harm's way.

Those are conditions that will change as as water ABS inflows and would again remind folks to be cautious and aware of those conditions on the ground.

That's why it's going to be important to follow local guidance of public safety officials about any orders for evacuation.

>> Last thing about severe weather is.

This is for many people the last week of a summer vacation.

People go to the mountains if they have plans this weekend we have more rain in the forecast.

What should they be doing with those plans.

>> We do I think folks need to first I think make sure they're getting reputable information on the weather from from reputable sources make sure you have multiple methods to be able to receive information and any any alerts for the area that you're traveling to and stay closely connected and look at the forecast for the area that they are going to as you mentioned, we are going to see scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms today through the rest of the week we could have some additional localized thunderstorms that could cause some flash flooding in areas later this week.

I think the other item that we're continuing to look at is the is hurricane Henri which at the latest model run shifted slightly further West, it's still several 100 miles off the coast.

Our forecast to be some are miles off the coast of Cape Hatteras that could still have some impacts to eastern North Carolina as well and so would ask that folks continue to to be vigilant as they watch the weather and to make smart decisions and not put themselves or their family at risk.

Back to covid that this for doctor Cohen and maybe ask a question that's.

>> Kind of already been answered, but I'll get to ask in a different way.

We've seen that all have to fact check myself but I think the last time we saw every County being read was probably when we were in phase 2.

Garth Brooks announced today, he's canceling a concert in Charlotte, we have Michael Blake cancel a concert scheduled concert.

Although now we have someone here talking about concerts going on in Raleigh.

And other live nation places.

I guess what are people supposed to take from this because on the one hand we're seeing how dangerous it is and all these hospitalizations on the other hand we're promoting concerts today safely.

So.

What should people do moving forward how should they approach this and how should they live their lives with his balance.

>> Sure I I think it's a really good question and most important is that folks need to get vaccinated we continue to see in the CDC put out even more data today to show that vaccines protect folks from getting severely ill from getting hospitalized and from from death from this virus.

So vaccines are our number one tool in 6 months ago we didn't have those tools so when we saw these kinds of levels of viral spread in the past we did not have widely available vaccines.

Now we do you can go into any one of the pharmacies across North Carolina to many many different vaccine providers get a vaccine to day.

We also have treatment with which we didn't have before which is also widely available not just in infusions, but now can just be administered in a doctor's office.

So that's good.

So we're in a different place we also have testing that widely available we know so much more about mask and what mask can do to protect us.

We need to layer protections now we need to get vaccinated we need to use mask we need to make sure if you're having symptoms to get tested we need to use our tools and that's why we can safely make sure our kids are going back to school we can make sure that events at live nation can happen safety when we use these layered protocols that we have to all do them together right, it's always been a joint effort since the beginning of this and it still remains we need to get vaccinated protect ourselves and to protect everyone around us we need to wear a mask to protect ourselves and those around you the tested need to use treatment.

I think if we do all these things were going to get through this week, it is a different moment them before, but we have to learn the lessons from before that we you know through these 1818 months we worked hard together and keep getting vaccinated and doing the things we know can protect each other.

>> Actually stay with a doctor Cohen to start with Matt Mercer North state journal as cases have increased.

Goes along with that the number of folks recover over a million North Carolinians have recovered from COVID-19.

So my question to start is what is being done to kind of track the level of natural immunity that folks have and why did those folks also Sunday to get vaccinated if they have successfully recovered and still possess antibodies from COVID-19.

>> Yes, so there's a very different way in which your body builds immunity when you get covid and then you build immunity versus when you get a vaccine and you build immunity.

Vaccine is a supercharged way of teaching your body about covid in all different kinds of covid when you get covid just naturally in the community and you've gotten sick with it.

It potentially can just give you a limited type of immunity, some people it can give an extensive immunity, but often it can give you a limited immunity and we're seeing plenty of folks unfortunately her getting covid a second time.

What we are seeing now and the CDC announced this today.

Even when you have a vaccine.

We are speech while it is still protecting you against severe disease and death.

We're starting to see some lessening of protection of that vaccine over time the same thing happens if you had covid a year ago your immunity could wane meaning lesson over time getting the vaccine.

Really teaches your body to recognize covid in all of its forms and protects you from severe disease and hospitalization.

That's why it's really important whether you had covid or not to get vaccinated right away.

>> And go along with that so those antibodies was the state been doing and what will the state continued today to track.

You know that percentage of the population that does possess antibodies by from vaccinations and from natural immunity.

>> So I think we don't have enough data to know whether truly just tracking antibodies in and of itself tells us enough about whether or not you are protected from getting covid in the future.

Our immune system works through a lot of different ways one of them is with antibodies others are T cells or B cells.

And I think the scientific community is still trying to understand what is that marker that we want to be tracking over time is that antibodies is at T cells is it something else to make sure that we kept continued protection.

Right now what we're able to do is look at natural studies in the CDC released 3 of them today, one.

About what was happening in New York one a minute, a long-term care facility and well you know, so we we look at the studies to help inform us to know how is our immune system working in responding to covid right now what we know is that these vaccines are remarkably effective at protecting us from getting super sick getting into the hospital or dying from covid and that's my message today vaccines save lives and you've got to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

>> All right, thanks and governor Cooper do you have one question for you as I'm sure you've seen across the state there are parents who you know see their school boards voting to make mass mandatory and they feel like that that choice as may have been taken from them said just kind of broadly what do you say to those parents who feel that way.

>> That masks save lives.

>> That when we're requiring school children and staff to wear a mask.

We're protecting people who don't even have the choice to get a vaccine because they're too young to get one.

This is probably one of the most important things we can do right now in mask wearing.

2 protect the public protect our children and school.

>> And so just to kind of follow up on that saves last one promise so if those parents and that's been going on the kind of see it on facebook on their places parents are going to pull their children out of public schools and are exploring other options on the feel that that's a valid response or what the kind of say if they say well, I'm just going to pull my kid out of their public school and find another option to educate my child.

>> It probably one of the most important things in your life is your children.

And I know I feel that way even though my children or adults now so this is a very emotional thing and you know even a parent who feel strongly about mass one where they know the other our respect that loving caring for their students.

I would just urge parents to 2 listen to doctors to look at the CDC to see all of the evidence that is there that their children are going to be protected more in a school where children are wearing mask.

And I hope they will stay in the public schools, we want them to I certainly know that there's probably a danger if in schools that are not requiring masks that some parents who want to make sure they're protected may lead to school because all the children and staff aren't wearing masks.

So this is the science is clear the evidence is clear that we need to do this and I hope that parents can come together with local elected leaders and do what we need to do to protect our children to school.

Yes governor just on school since we're on the topic aye, you mentioned one reason for not having a mandate for schools is because you want to give local control.

>> And you believe that the vaccines are out there.

But the reality is that kids under 12 cannot get vaccinated yet.

We have heard from parents in these districts who are making masks voluntary who say they feel that you know the school board is not putting safety first.

You know, they're disappointed so do you feel that you not implementing that mask mandate for schools that parents should feel disappointed in you and the state as well.

>> Well first of we were over 75% of students who are now covered by mandatory mask mandate and we believe more and more school systems are going to to be coming online because of the conversations that they are having with doctors and medical professions are professionals.

I want to make sure that her children are safe in school and what I think we're seeing is that there is more by and and better enforcement when these decisions are made at a local level and we're continuing to see that.

I will say that all options remain on the table.

So we're going to continue consulting our medical professionals and see how the school says year goes in all options are still available to us I'm going to use Harnett County as an example in our area they still have masks voluntary if there is a widespread outbreak in the first few weeks of school.

>> Do you believe that you should take some responsibility for that.

Well first I I hope in think maybe that Harnett County maybe.

>> Changing their mind will will see how that works because we've had a lot of conversations going on.

We're all in this thing together and we all need to work together to act responsibly to stop this virus.

>> Thank you my next question was for doctor Cohen if I can and this is about the uniform statewide mask mandate, I know given the rise in cases and obviously this virus has no border.

Just a yes or no would you support a statewide uniform indoor mask mandate.

>> So we are already and as I mentioned earlier recommending that everyone regardless of vaccination status wear a mask when indoors in public settings so we are already recommending that and what I what I see is a belt and suspenders of local authorities mandating that for public spaces we very much support that and and I think that is going to continue to help us to slow the spread of the virus so we're already recommending statewide that all folks here in North Carolina wear a mask indoors in public settings we know what works we have the tools let's use and I now want to forget the fact that we still have too many people who are unvaccinated into our focus continues to be on getting folks vaccinated.

>> Today the CDC, this my question would also be for you mentioned that they are working with 16 states their covid surge task force is North Carolina, one of those states and how are they insisting you all right now it's so I have to go back to 19 on that we obviously worked incredibly close with cdc's I'm not sure on that point the let's go back to our team in a follow up with you and my last question was for director on the weather.

We we're hearing just before this meeting out of Haywood County that 30 people were unaccounted for I do have a total across that entire region.

How many people they're searching for.

>> So as I said we we have have seen some reports of of individuals who are missing.

We know there are some coming out of Haywood County as well as some other counties.

Those have not been reports that have been substantiated were confirmed at this point.

I do want to stress as we said earlier the the operation is continuing.

Right now where they are still very much in response mode.

They are still searching.

Structures they are.

Conducting the wide area search.

They're continuing reconnaissance they're continuing the work by our swift water teams and so we know that we are continuing to to to identify homes and identify people that need support and anticipate that there will be potentially some of that down the road, but right now the team continues to focus on continuing active rescue operations at at this point.

>> And just one more question for doctor Cohen last week that letter to schools was sent to I believe 56 school districts that had voted to make masks optional do you know how many have reversed course and how many we are dealing with across the state, better still voluntary as of today, yes, as the governor mentioned we believe 75% of the students are covered by a mask mandate.

>> Since sending that letter we believe 12 or 13 school districts have.

In fact re looked at this taken a different vote and decided to go with the mask mandate.

I'm grateful for them working with us I I we have continued to work with additional school districts in the governor has said we anticipate even more moving towards that that mask mandate in addition to the other safety protocols that are in in that so already seen 12 or 13 expect to see more over the course of this week, thank you so much.

>> I will down my list.

I'm Don Wildman the news and observer questions about the budget and vaccinations all start with the budget.

Now that we're in the conference process are there provisions that are are deal breakers for you are things that that you'll really you know stress when you.

>> Assuming you are meeting in person or or however, with burger more before.

They passed the final budget.

>> All options are on the table there's not any single issue that would.

Have me enact a veto or to sign the budget it's going to be a combination of those things.

We want to see the policy issues there number of policy issues that would take hours and hours of meeting time in many amendments to try to get right.

They really ought not to be in the budget and you can see from my budget that we want to invest more in education in educator salaries.

We want to expand Medicaid.

We want to make sure that children have a sound basic education, so those are.

My priorities are per pretty much out there and have been for a while and I think the leadership knows that.

So we're hoping to find some accommodations were going to work toward getting a budget at the end of the day but.

With the idea that we're not going to to enact a bad budget and will be towed if we have to but we want to try to find a way forward here.

>> You're going to be with them before the conference budget comes out so we've been talking and you know you've got the Senate and the House have very different budgets and very different ideas and a lot of disagreements so we've sort of gone back and forth about.

When I would enter the process I think that they're going to try to get some agreements amongst themselves on literally hundreds of issues that are involved in this budget and in dispute.

The key thing is that they're going to let me and Senate House Democrats actually see the budget before they roll it out and vote on it also understanding that there are things that I want to change the removed added, they are open to negotiating those things at that point and that's what's so different about this situation is that we want.

To have these discussions before.

The budget is voted on and then I would have to make a decision whether to veto a sign.

Based on a budget that I've really not had a chance to see or have any input in and I think that we realize that that process didn't work.

Last time and it needs to happen this time so I think it will be a little fluid as to where we are already were taught doctor Cohen is already talking to legislators about issues in health and human Services and we're continuing those conversations.

>> And then on on vaccinations related to you know state versus local with.

>> You know mandating it or having the weekly testing for.

>> You know most state employees what about teachers and those that work with children that aren't old enough to be vaccinated yet is that something.

>> That should be man to mandate at the state level at the local level.

>> So we want to encourage all people to get vaccinated particularly teachers who work with students.

I know that we're going to continue to work with the state Board of Education with the.

Superintendent of public instruction is with the local systems that employed these teachers and are making decisions about that we put them in very early in the process when we're making decisions about how to prioritize people so we we've sent the signal how important it is that we believe that educators should be back Sunday.

We're going to continue to push that issue nothing were any sort of you know mandate to vaccination versus all options are going to continue to be on the table but no not at this time.

>> And then for doctor Cohen you mentioned the booster.

You know there's nothing on the J and J booster which I know that you've got lots of people are wondering what.

You know what are they going to be able to do and look for once they hit that 8 months out more.

>> Yeah, so the CDC and FDA announcement today was specific to the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

They did mention that the J and J vaccine, they're looking for additional data that they hope to come in the next couple of weeks so I too will be looking at that data very closely.

But what we're seeing with the boosters is that they you wouldn't be eligible for a booster until at least 8 months after you finish your series of vaccines, the first time.

Johnson and Johnson as you know was not authorized until the month of March so again from a timing perspective.

They still have a little bit more time to gather more data so I think jury is still out scientists are still working on in terms of understanding the JNJ what will happen in terms of boosters with us mission layering with safety so and that if it's 400% more likely that you're going to get covid if you're not vaccinated.

>> What's what's the risk factor for the already vaccinated people like how should they.

How worried should they be how should they adjust things asked as an important for them as unvaccinated is a part of it just being everybody.

>> So a couple of things to tt's out from your your question there first, I would say that vaccines continue to show us that they are incredibly effective at preventing severe disease hospitalization and death and that new data just put out from the CDC today continues to reinforce that so for people who are vaccinated they should feel protected from the the worst of what covid could bring so that's great.

But what we are seeing is that it is still possible for you to get covid even if you've had been vaccinated is it is much more rare.

But as possible.

And particularly for those of us and I'll speak for myself who have 2 children under the age of 12 who are unvaccinated right I think there are different decisions for different people some may live with folks who are immunocompromised are at higher risk.

And so I think they're folks need to know that we have the tools available, they know what works and so what I would say is make sure that you are tailoring your layered protection to your personal circumstance.

I wear a mask as as the CDC recommends in all indoor public spaces I follow the the Raleigh new mask mandate.

But I'm also very parts particular because my children are unvaccinated to make sure that we are taking even more.

Protocols because of that and so I think that every family every person needs to think of that meeting everyone needs to remember the fact that we're all in this together and all of our actions influence our friends.

Our neighbors, our community that's why layering protections really important vaccines work they're safe and effective.

But nassar also necessary at this moment when there's so much virus here in North Carolina, this unfortunately very contagious.

Thanks.

Thank you.

>> And I will see if we have any remote and then we have some people on the line so if you can identify yourself and your organization.

>> She was from Tyler Fleming with spectrum news.

Hi governor.

The the question has to do with what we're seeing the western part of the state funding continues to harm our state just weeks after un report outlined start require protection and update.

In light of these developments you feel the amount of money being invested in infrastructure for life and I'm a change mitigation in the state matches that threat currently being proposed by.

>> No we need much more investment in resilient infrastructure.

And as we build back after storms.

We need to think about the future storms that are coming.

We know that climate change has affected the ferocity of these of these storms and we're just seeing it.

Every month that goes by and things that are happening not only in our state but across the world.

So as we rebuild we need to be more resilient and we need to invest more in resilience and it's one of the reasons why strongly supportive of the bipartisan infrastructure deal that has been struck and voted on by the Senate I hope that we can get it out of Congress and signed by the president.

We have our North Carolina office of recovery and resilience.

We are working on resiliency issues.

We have we must put more emphasis on that.

Next question.

>> Our next question is from test Barber with FOX 8.

That's part of our FOX 8 here thanks for taking my question and nearly all of the Health Department here in the Triad say you're wanting to ramp up contact tracing team with case numbers going up right before the start of the school year will the state be able to accommodate all these requests for more tracers.

>> We want to increase the number of contact tracers and I'm gonna let doctor Cohen address that issue.

>> Hi thanks for the call for that question we're obviously working hard to make sure we have the resources in place we've learned a lot of lessons as well as put in some additional protocols to help use text messages and other electronic means of communication and doing that that contact so that we are able to lessen the burden on our contact tracers but we are working to fulfill those requests, thanks.

Next question please.

>> Our next question is from our leave of Carolina public press.

That afternoon governor Laura Lee County public press.

We've talked a lot about mask mandates for schools haven't talked much about ppe recommendations for school testing and they have an option plan probably about 50 to the alley a walk to the end but some larger districts have not and we're hearing from parents are saying there's no testing protocols for students who are already back in school for year round from wondering.

What you know programs you have for testing and what do you say to the parents who are concerned that there's not sufficient think in their districts.

>> Rink we're encouraging testing and want to provide the resources for that but I'll let doctor Cohen talk specifically about it.

>> Hi Laura there's 2 forms of testing that we're offering completely free to our school districts, one is making sure they have access to rapid test right on site at all of our schools so that we want to make sure his hat Pap happens as well as access to a school nurse.

So that has really been there's been a lot of wide uptake of that so I can get you the exact numbers from our team in terms of the number of school districts that are doing on site testing for symptomatic folks meaning they come to school either a teacher or student with symptoms of covid and being able to to do a test right in the moment, one I think it cuts down the the amount of time between knowing if that that student is positive or not but also helps on in terms of quarantining and other kinds of protocols that need to be put in place.

The other is on screening testing meaning routine testing a certain population on a routine basis, whether that's teachers students or both that is also available for first for free to every every school district working with the state.

There have been a number of school districts.

I I do believe that the number is higher than what you mentioned in our team I can get you the exact number, but we hope more school districts to opt into that testing again it's layered protocols that I think are important here vaccines masks testing the quarantine procedures.

All of these things layer together to help protect our students and keep them in our classrooms, learning and safe.

So we're going to continue to work with school districts to make sure that they know the options that are available to them and to me and encourage them to take advantage of that.

Next question please.

>> Follow-up Marley Carolina public press.

Thanks for that I thought the best thing about a monoclonal monoclonal antibody and I'm just wondering and we're talking about that is that potential treatment for people who are already infected with covid do we have sufficient supply of that and is there at the distribution of that across the state such that anybody and any part of the state would be able to access it.

>> Thanks for that question.

So yes, the short version is yes we have access to monoclonal antibodies it's available in if infusion as well as just injections so now we are actually able to administer these treatments in more spaces before you really had to be in a place that could allow for an infusion and now that it can be done as an injection it can be available in more locations we are looking to make sure that there is access in wider places across North Carolina.

If anything we have seen low usage of the monoclonal antibodies we want to make sure folks know that it is available.

I want to make sure folks who who do get symptoms of covid to get tested right away because as monoclonal antibodies have to be used within the first 10 days of you having symptoms and the earlier you use it the better.

So it is really important so what I would say is get tested soon if you think you have symptoms of covid if you have covid get in touch with your doctor wand and make sure that you ask about this particularly if you are older or have underlying medical conditions.

But yes, we have access to the antibodies now that it's available in just a shot an injection we can get in more locations and we're working with providers to make sure that access is available widely across North Carolina.

Next question.

>> Our final question that will conclude today's press briefing from rose Hoban with North Carolina health news.

>> I post thanks very much for taking up on my cold stress home and within the health news.

And that is going back to your executive order for on people and cabinet departments to you know they get vaccinated or provide proof of vaccination we're curious about how that's going to be enforced.

You know where will it be database and the other thing that we're curious about is how you're going to be enforcing mask things especially in places like.

Correctional facilities down there.

Some of them are in pretty rural areas though you know you might have a database of folks who are vaccinated but how are you forcing the mask in.

>> Well you know immediate supervisors would be carrying out the rules that are put forth by the Office of state.

Personnel state human resources.

We are working closely with all the cap and it agencies the number one make sure that we have a process for verifying the vaccination and then we don't have to worry about it, but if they don't verify.

Then we do want to make sure that there is testing and we want to make sure that there is masking and supervisors will be responsible for making sure that's done.

They're also working through protocols on what are the consequences for employees who just simply are not going to get tested and not going to wear a mask and we want to be together on that so we're still working on what the ultimate.

That discipline could be for that the idea here is to get people vaccinated and we're using this period of time too work to talk with people to hear their concerns and to convince them to get vaccinated doctor Cohen would you want to add to that okay.

So follow up.

>> Yes I do have a follow-up.

Thank you.

It's about verification of vaccination and you know we did a story about how to get all right your verification off of the state website, but turns out that for example I went to a pharmacy and the pharmacist, he doesn't have my verification and my hopes and went to a community Health Center and look they didn't upload things insta they didn't upload his.

E-mail address can so.

Howard what are going to be the alternatives for folks could.

>> Back in a verification are not in the state.

>> Database.

>> Rose thanks for that question.

So first I would say that the vast majority of North Carolinians have gotten their vaccine at a North Carolina provider that means their information is accessible and they're able to easily download it now if you got it at one of our federal partners meeting at Walgreens or CVS or another pharmacy, each of those have their own portal in which you're able to access your own vaccine record and that's what we just want to make sure folks have are able to access their own record.

So if you got it with a provider in North Carolina that's not a pharmacy you can access it through the North Carolina portal if not then as I said all of those pharmacies have their own individual portals for you to access their that that information.

I know that there are a number of places that are working with community Health Center health centers and others to facilitate their ability to make vaccine information easily available to those who have gotten it.

So we're working with those and happy to support again that I think a national effort that is going on right now thank you.

>> Thank you all for joining us today today, if you haven't gotten vaccinated do it.

Thank you very much.