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

>> As of today we have had 1 million 534 thousand 5 covid cases.

1755 new cases reported since yesterday.

1131 people in the hospital and 18,740 people who have died.

As we Mark our second holiday season of the pandemic we're fortunate that this year's Thanksgiving look different from last year's Thanksgiving.

Thanks to remarkable COVID-19 vaccines and the millions of North Carolinians who got them.

Families and friends were able to gather more safely this year sharing hugs and good food.

Thanksgiving this year did feel more dumb normal.

But we're all painfully aware that we haven't fully defeated this pandemic.

The Delta variant is still with us causing sickness and death mostly among the unvaccinated while health alerts about the emerging omicron variant have cause concern and open a new set of questions.

As the scientists and public health experts race to get answers about the new variant.

We still know this to be 100% true.

Getting more people vaccinated is the way out of this pandemic.

If you haven't been vaccinated and you're worried about the omicron variant.

Get your shot today.

If you want to make your Christmas gathering safer.

Get your shot today.

These vaccines are safe effective.

And they're free.

And they're saving lives every minute of every day by preventing people from getting severe covid symptoms that could land them in the ICU or worse.

If you don't believe it get off the Internet and on the phone with your doctor.

If you are vaccinated at least 6 months ago or 2 months ago for the J and J vaccine.

Go get your booster because it will strengthen your immunity make your appointment for that booster today.

North Carolina is working hard to increase the number of vaccinated people in our state including children are now eligible.

Just as we've done with the adult vaccine effort were working with trusted messengers including community leaders, family doctors and others.

To have an open conversation with parents who have questions.

And it's working.

In North Carolina were up to 13% of children, ages 5 through 11.

We've received their first dose during the 4 weeks that we've been giving them.

Since my executive order went into effect requiring state employees working in cap and agencies to be vaccinated or tested weekly.

The vaccination rate has increased from 65% in mid September to 76% by the end of November.

Our state health facilities have required vaccinations for their workers to protect them and their patrons.

More than 99% of those workers are now vaccinated.

These numbers are good and we're working to do more.

And I appreciate all the private sector businesses that have similar rules for their workers and customers because you're making the right call to keep people safe.

Before Thanksgiving assigned a new bipartisan state budget that will help our state out of this pandemic and come out even stronger on the other side.

It includes hundreds of millions of dollars for business recovery grants.

As well as funds for individual families that are struggling.

It sends badly needed resources to local health departments who are on the frontlines of the pandemic.

It invests in our research universities where scientists are on the front lines of developing new treatments for COVID-19.

And it funds filling the gaps and high-speed Internet that have been magnified of the last 2 years.

My administration is working hard to implement these solutions and I look forward to the efficient and effective use of these dollars that will speed us through this pandemic and so much more.

Now I'd like to ask doctor Mandy Cohen secretary of the Department of Health and Human services to provide an update on our state State's COVID-19 trench coat.

Thank you governor.

>> Before we dig into the data I want to take a minute to talk about the new COVID-19 variant that has been making headlines.

All viruses change over time and COVID-19 is no exception.

The latest variant on the KRON was recently designated a variant of concern by the World Health Organization and we still have a lot to learn about on the KRON over the next few weeks scientists will be looking for answers to several questions.

Is this new variant more contagious.

Doesn't make people sicker and how will it impact our immunity in our treatments.

Cases with the omicron variant have not yet been detected here in North Carolina or elsewhere in the United States but many experts believe it is likely already here.

Now while there's no need for alarm we do need to continue to closely monitor the science and data on this new variant and with that we'll dive into the data.

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

It's our earliest detection mechanism.

And the yellow line represents this current here that shows that this trend has come down significantly from its recent peak in early September.

You can see the yellow line is started to just increased slightly over the past few weeks.

However, it does remain below where we were a year ago which is shown with that blue line.

Next we look at new covid cases this first graph shows you the trajectory of new cases each day Sunday at her first case back in March of 2020.

And you can see our first major peak in cases was back in January of 2021 before vaccines are widely available.

That second peak in August and September was result of the Delta variant and had the greatest impact on people who were not vaccinated but let's zoom in and look at the last few weeks of cases and this graph we're looking at cases from October through today and what you can see that our cases have been largely level and appeared to even have decreased over the past week.

Now we've made incredible progress as millions of North Carolinians have gotten vaccinated to protect their health and that of their community but 2 things to note as we look at this graph.

Testing over the Thanksgiving holiday dropped significantly.

So while case numbers are lower.

This is probably an incomplete picture of what's happening in our state given the low amount of testing last week.

Second we won't know for a couple of weeks if Thanksgiving gatherings with unvaccinated people will have an impact on our numbers.

Next we'll look at the percent of tests that are positive and this graph also goes back to October.

Looking at that yellow line are percent of positive tests has increased over the past week and is above our 5% goal.

On our next graph we look at the everyday hospitalizations and this graph also starts in October and looking at that yellow line you can see that trend has leveled.

The next slide looks at what's happening at the local level this is a map from the CDC that shows a level of viral transmission.

I am pleased to report that North Carolina is no longer in the red zone as a state.

The CDC has now has our state in the orange with a substantial level of community transmission.

And several North Carolina counties are now yellow with a moderate level of community transmission.

And you can see looking at the map the western part of the state currently has the highest rates of transmission.

Now let's look at vaccinations today 72% of those 18 and older have had at least one dose and 94% of those 65 and older are having at least one dose and that's a really good progress.

Next this slide shows the percent of the population that's received at least one dose by age group.

You can see many families are choosing to vaccinate their younger children now that we have a safe and effective vaccine.

Getting children vaccinated helps keep them healthy in protected from COVID-19.

It's why I got my daughters vaccinated right away.

You can see in the graph fewer young people are getting vaccinated and this is concerning because as we saw during the Delta surge.

It was really hard to predict who's going to become seriously ill from COVID-19 or who's going to experience those long-term symptoms from COVID-19.

What we do know is getting vaccinated reduces your chance of getting COVID-19 and provide significant protection from serious illness hospitalization and death.

Unvaccinated North Carolinians are 6 times more likely to get COVID-19 and 25 times more likely to die of COVID-19 than vaccinated North Carolinians.

If you haven't gotten vaccinated yet please talk with your doctor nurse or other medical professional or go to a reliable online health resource like the CDC or your spot your shot that NC .gov to be sure you're getting accurate information don't wait to vaccinate.

And like many vaccinations boosters are needed to strengthen and extend protection against COVID-19 everyone, 18 and older should get a booster as soon as they are eligible.

If you got the Johnson and Johnson vaccine you should get a booster at 2 months after your shot.

If you've gotten the Moderna or the Pfizer vaccine you should get a booster 6 months after your shot.

With the holidays.

Colder weather and this potential of a new variant approaching you should not put off getting your booster.

Now before I wrap up.

I want to take a moment to thank governor Cooper.

As the governor shared in a press release earlier today I will be stepping down from my role as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

I want to thank you governor for your steadfast leadership, your partnership and your commitment to the people of North Carolina.

You're a man of integrity faith and resilience and I have not met anyone who loves the state more than you.

I learned so much from you and I'm so grateful.

For the opportunity you gave me to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.

I also want to thank my incredible team at the department, I'm so proud of our extraordinary work and what we have accomplished together to improve the health and well-being of the state.

I'm for ever grateful for your sacrifice and hard work.

And while it's hard to step away.

It's the right time for me personally in the right time for our team.

The Department of Health and Human Services is in a strong position to continue to carry out its mission and in choosing chief deputy secretary Cody Kinsley as the department's next secretary the governor has chosen an incredible leader to take the baton to run the next leg of this race.

It has been an honor of a lifetime to serve this state at such an important moment in history.

Thank you governor.

Thank you doctor.

Cohen.

North Carolina has benefited greatly from your leadership of the past 5 years.

>> That's been especially true of the course of this pandemic.

During which your work has saved countless lives.

I deeply appreciate your service and you're standing hand in times of crisis.

You and I along with our remarkable team have been in the trenches together.

We're going to miss you.

And speaking of a remarkable team.

A leader you recruited into that group is ready to take the position of secretary when you step down.

And he'll continue your legacy of strong leadership doctor Cohen.

Cody Kinsley, currently serves as your chief deputy secretary at the department.

It has been leading covid operations for the state.

I'll appoint him as secretary immediately upon your departure.

He'll continue to be supported by the team of doctors and public health experts the advised and assisted both of us.

Doctor Cohen North Carolinians OU a deep debt of gratitude.

You have been such a blessing to our state.

Thank you my friend.

But you have another month to go.

And I know as usual.

You're going to be at it as determined as ever until the last day.

So we're looking forward to the next month.

Also with me today is North Carolina director of emergency management will Ray.

Our sign language interpreters Monica mcghee.

And behind the scenes Jackie a motive here and Margaret Wolf Roberts, our Spanish language interpreters.

So what now will take questions from the media who are here.

We also have us secretary of public safety Eddie Buffalo here as well.

Guys are slow on the draw today.

>> Governor Sean cudahy from CBS 17 you know, I think probably a lot of parents are nervous hearing the news of the new variants what is your level of confidence at this point based on what you know that their kids are going to stay in school in person this year.

>> So my level of confidence is strong that vaccinations are going to continue to be the way out of this pandemic.

Anticipate any additional restrictions at this point.

But we know that there are questions to answer.

And I'm gonna let doctor Cohen talk just a minute about the variant in her discussions with experts.

>> Thanks for the question.

I think it's really important as the governor said for everyone to get vaccinated in particularly now that are 5 to 11 year-olds can get vaccinated I think it's really important to take advantage of this time.

We haven't seen the new variant here in in North Carolina, nor in the United States.

But we believe it is likely already here so the time to act is now for vaccinations I think we have a lot to learn about how how this virus and its new changes may impact things going forward, but what we know is providing yourself that initial level of immunity through vaccination is going to be be helpful.

I think we're all concerned looking at some of the early data from other countries seeing that it potentially could be more contagious.

It doesn't an early day to look like it is more severe so that is good news.

But it does show significant mutations or changes at the spot in the virus that we incurred our vaccines to so again things we want to really start to look at with our scientists.

So we'll be watching the data very closely.

>> Jonah Kaplan with a ABC 11.

Before I get to doctor Cohen, let's talk about her a successor that you're nominating.

And I said this is someone that that she obviously has a lot of confidence and you have a lot of confidence in.

>> This is a role that has always been important but it's become more visible to people and we're still in this pandemic and you know incoming secretary can Kinzler he may have an extensive background of saw the Treasury and as administrator.

He's not a physician, so what confidence do you have in him.

And doctor Cohen for you as well, what can you say to North Carolinians who may say well he's not a doctor how can he lead us in the pandemic.

The first time appointing Cody Kinsley because he is the most qualified and experienced person for the job.

>> He has been a part of this team for the past number of years and we've seen him in action.

And doctor Cohen has put a lot of trust in him.

Doctor Cohen and I and Cody when he becomes secretary have been supported by a team of doctors and medical Advisors and health experts who have collectively help to advise us.

So I feel very positive about Cody's leadership.

I think this team is going to continue to stay together and doctor Cohen deserves an amazing amount of credit for recruiting some of the best people around too be a part of this team and I have every confidence that he'll do a great job and the team will support him.

That you're not going respond to that she'd like to.

>> The only thing I would add Jonah is that this response.

Ah yes is about making sure we can understand the science and data and we have plenty of public health experts and doctors at the team will continue to support that.

But so much of it is about the execution in the operations and this is where Cody Kinsley really shines and I have leaned on him so much to lead our operations.

So I think him stepping into that role is is really quite a natural fit.

He has been leading so much of our work.

I'm so proud of what we've been able to do when we rolled out the initial vaccine effort and we were able to really charge into high gear that was his work.

And so I think he really has his hand in the operations which is what really matters to people are we going to get tests are we going to get our vaccines are the boosters out there and then he will be supported by those public health experts at our department that are fantastic and have been advising me throughout this as well.

Thank you.

>> Doctor Khan while you're still at the podium and while I can still ask questions of you will it was their moment, what you said is the right time for you personally was there something that happened recently is there a turning point the pandemic why step away now.

>> Well it's been a wonderful 5 years.

I am so honored that I had this opportunity to leave the state at this moment.

I think we've accomplished so much be on I know folks see the covid response.

But I'm really proud of the work.

We did the 3 years even leading up to covid I think it needs made a difference in how we were able to be successful in responding whether it was transitioning or Medicaid program or investing in early childhood.

Responding to the opioid crisis.

The unfortunate many hurricanes that we had to respond you together with emergency management all of that.

I think contributed to our success.

But for me it's been it's been an amazing 5 years but these have been challenging and so a bit a bit of rest and recovery is is what is in store for me next, as I think about my next opportunity there wasn't one moment, but it was it felt like the team is very strong right now at the to chess I feel like they can take the baton and run with it for the next Reagan leg of the race.

>> There was wide speculation.

That you might leave us for a Washington DC before are you staying in North Carolina.

>> Well so I don't know what my next steps will hold all I would say is that I and my family have fallen in love with North Carolina and we love it here and I hope that my next steps will be able to keep us here.

Thank you.

>> But that I would also say Jonah to and I think that sometimes at these press conferences Chris, I know you all have a lot of questions about medical data etcetera we will probably have a a doctor from our team who will be day with Cody and the at these press conferences to be able asked some of the medical answer some of the medical questions as we go forward, but yeah you had another question.

Well, and this is more you know we talk about COVID-19 response and of course the Department of Health and Human Services.

>> Gigantic part of your administration.

So what more initiatives do look for me, we know Medicaid expansion but what will you be calling on for the incoming secretary to lead how what kind you know you still have 3 years left in your administration.

What do you expect from him in what kind of initiatives do you hope people take well first getting more people covered with health insurance has to be the primary objective and Medicaid expansion is still the number one goal because that can get 5 to 600,000.

>> More working North Carolinians insured with federal dollars so that will continue to be a priority.

Cody Kinsley has extensive background in behavioral and mental help and we know that this pandemic has caused even exacerbate it issues regarding mental health and addiction treatment.

So we're going to make sure that we we put an emphasis on that.

But making sure we continue to administer this vaccination program to get people vaccinated in getting on the other side of the pandemic it's got to be that the primary objective here during the next few months.

I feel confident this team can can lead us through and we're going to continue to keep our eye on these other issues of mental Health and investment in early childhood and looking after our senior population.

The department Health and Human Services does great things across the state and we're going to continue them.

>> Good afternoon governor Brea Hollingsworth with CBS, 17 news, a federal judge in Missouri a temporarily bear more the federal government from requiring health care workers in Missouri and 9 other states to get the COVID-19 vaccine, curious to know if you've been following this and if so what's your reaction to it.

>> So as you know that our state whole own health care facilities we required vaccinations for those health care workers and more than 99% of them got vaccinated because they cared about themselves.

Their families and their patients.

And I think we need to continue to do things to encourage people to get vaccinations so in North Carolina we we've continued to increase in number state employees getting vaccinated we've encouraged employers to require their employees to get vaccinated so we're going we're going to continue to make that a top effort in our state.

They don't.

>> I understand president Biden was meeting with governors this week of you had that meeting yet and what kind of guidance are you getting from him as far as any any changes in response with the new variant so we get a White House briefing most every week.

The last couple months it's been every other week.

>> But we've been pleased with the response that we've been getting with vaccinations we're talking more and more about the pills that can provide treatment and we're looking at how we're going to dispersed those.

We're still working closely with FEMA to make sure we get reimbursements for all the efforts that we put forward in the state.

So our federal partners are going to continue to be important to us as we work to get a stat the other side of this pandemic.

>> Do you anticipate keeping the policy were it's by by local and county looking at the changes on the CDC map as far as spread of certain counties want to have you know mask restrictions still or anything like that.

>> Well as you know we have no statewide mandates in effect we have recommendations which closely follow the CDC recommendations.

I would expect we would continue to do that.

And we've encouraged local governments to look at those recommendations and to make decisions that are best for their communities and a number of continue to do it, but I hope.

We can continue to make progress and the way to do that is to get people vaccinated.

>> Did you say that you have the briefing with the White House this week Etter said no I've not this week no not at this point.

I have questions for doctor Khan.

I guess first one is this your last public appearances are are you.

Are you done with this for his briefings after this welco deacons is going to take over on January first until then I'll I'll certainly be here and I imagine with an evolving covid situation we may need to be back in this room so I I doubt it will be the last public appearance but just in case it is it's been it's been an honor.

>> And a privilege but I imagine with the evolving situation that we may may be back for updates.

>> A manager not to ask this already as far as if there's one moment when when did you make the decision to step down and when did you tell the governor.

>> So it's been it's been an evolution.

And certainly the last 2 years have been quite a marathon.

And I'm so proud of all the work that we've been able to accomplish and so as we came.

Through that the and coming down off the Delta surge right saw things getting more stable.

I I I watched my team with a lot of pride being able to react to any new thing that was thrown at it whether was new boosters or this new variant.

They were jumping into action in in ways that that were that were fantastic in and I felt like it was I was able to now take this step back and pass the baton to the to the next folks and I think it I shared that the news will for my my decision with him.

A number of weeks ago so that we could get ready in plan and obviously so he can go through a process to select that my successor, so that we be able to have a a very smooth transition and that is my hope that we don't skip a beat we're obviously still in the middle of a pandemic and so I wanted to make sure that we had he put that I gave the governor the time for him to go through a process to select my successor.

>> You know it's questions coming in on elsa's asked Ed are you planning to run for office.

>> I'm not planning to run for office I am looking at opportunities that allow me to continue this impact to improve the health and well-being of communities.

I don't know what that will look like exactly yet.

But no plans for 2 to run for public office for filing starts next.

No I do not plan to to file and run in a public public up would you be are you looking to work in one of the universities in North Carolina or would you work in DC again well I think I'm looking at at a range of of opportunities.

I think >> at first I want to spend a little bit of time with my my girls and my husband who have been amazing and supportive through this and then we'll see what opportunities come.

So what's the first thing you're going to do when you when you don't work for her government anymore.

First January first well I think we'll still be spending some time with my family for sure and I I know that there will be a a trip for my mom and my sister it in the in the month of January so that that's coming up soon.

Thank you.

>> Good afternoon.

This is actually for secretary Cohen as well and that WRAL as secretary Cohen to talk to several community organizations that you work with throughout this pandemic across the state have said they really credited you with getting out there and helping especially in communities that were typically out reached 2, they said they hadn't seen that before what would your message be to them and will that kind of progress continue.

>> Well, I'm so gratified to hear that they felt the impact of the work of our department during this response effort we made a very intentional.

Decision to make sure we put equity at the center of everything we did and that meant partnership, we know so much of this response has been about building trust and trust with many communities.

But the has to translate into action and I'm glad they're seeing and feeling that action on the ground and that partnership and you can be assured that Cody Kinsley has been by my side as we built those partnerships and it's certainly going to not only continue them, but I hope to build upon them as well so I'm grateful for that partnership and hope it was just the beginning.

Thank you.

>> So do we have any color questions what will take those.

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

Yes governor secretary conus Richard Kreider with the winston-salem journal.

I was going to ask you one covid related question and then one on the first is basically are you all hopeful and sort of a strange way to the on the KRON.

Very much encourage more people to go ahead and get vaccinated and or get their booster shot.

>> Obviously you don't want to see more variants of COVID-19 but we're going to do everything we can to get more people vaccinated then you know whatever motivates people with this motivates people as I said earlier please go and get vaccinated.

Next question.

>> Our next question is from Jason the grand Lake North Carolina, public radio.

I did start over.

I thought I thought Richard had a follow-up to go ahead jayshon.

>> Yet we know was what I don't mind the neck to Richard later.

I don't go into action.

Okay thanks to take on this one for you I wonder if maybe you could put on your mask of the public health sort of your that that have for now.

Given that the KRON variant came out of Africa Africa, we know has a pretty low level of vaccination rate compared to the rest of the world.

I wonder if it, there's the thought that if there was more vaccine equity more vaccine sent to poor countries more vaccine that's given to covax.

If that would have been perhaps.

A more effective in stopping.

This new variant and perhaps protected perhaps protected the entire world in a better way.

>> Thanks for that question Jason I do want to clarify that I think as more and more scientific data is compiled I think what we're seeing is that this very unlikely didn't originate in Africa and may have been in Europe or other parts of the world even prior to that I think we're still sorting that through in the scientific community.

I think South Africa was the first to sequence and identify and give us some clinical information here so we should be very grateful.

To the work done in South Africa by their medical community I think it is informing our work now.

But I want to say that I think that we still don't know exactly where this veering happens.

But we should also note viruses change we knew that this was a possibility just like it changed to become the Delta variant we knew this was a possibility so yes vaccination is so important so that we can get as many people protected I know that the United States has been working to make sure we're getting vaccine on up across the world.

And that's why we want to make sure that in a country with the kinds of resources.

We have here with vaccine widely available that everyone is taking advantage of it because there are places unfortunately around the world who don't have that same kind of access to protect themselves.

So let's take advantage of the amazing resources, the tools to protect ourselves that we have here whether it's getting vaccinated with your original series Ward going out if you're an adult getting your booster if it's been more than 6 months I do think we have a collective amount of work that we need to do to help the whole world move beyond this pandemic I think we are recognizing what an integrated and globalized world we live in.

And how quickly this virus can move around.

So we do have work to do in partnership with many many countries around the world but we've got to do our work here United States as well.

Thanks.

Next question please.

>> Well, Jason never and North Carolina public radio.

>> Thank the commission and that's what to do a little bit more deaths related to your time here at dhhs he does a lot that you said you're proud of and I wonder if there's anything related to the pandemic response that you may be was that you had done differently or with the benefit of hindsight if there's anything that maybe you wish you would have yeah it is a decision you made that that may be with the benefit of hindsight you would a little bit differently.

>> Well, thanks for that Jason, you know I I always want to make sure folks say that this was a crisis you can't Monday Monday morning quarterback a crisis so I'm very proud of the work.

But absolutely where there are things that we should have done in preparation to be better.

Ready to respond absolutely I think we all remember back to the fact that we had we had a shortage of protective equipment number one we had supply chain issues we weren't sure if we would have enough ventilators so certainly there is a lot of lessons learned there I think our data infrastructure as well with something we needed to build on that did not exist at first for the kind of response and the scale of what we're dealing with so there's a lot of preparatory work that I would have done and I think as we come out of this pandemic there are a lot of lessons learned about how we can stay prepared for something in the future and make sure that we're putting the resources into public health I think we've learned a lot.

We've built a lot and we need to make sure we maintain that vigilance POS year into the future.

Thanks.

Next question.

>> Our next question is a follow up Richard gray very but the winston-salem journal.

>> Yes risk right we're back with with general.

Thank you for circling back to me.

Yesterday.

The technical corrections bill to the state budget was introduced and pass to bipartisan support of which it has a economic development project involving Piedmont caught in that airport.

I want to see how much do you know about the project and are you planning to signed that bill.

>> One of the successes that we've had has been working closely with the General Assembly leadership of both party on the economic development projects and is one of the reasons why we've created so many great paying jobs for our state that economic recruitment continues we continue to be aggressive about it.

Our review the entire legislation and I cannot comment on specific economic development projects but I know that we're going to continue to to be successful in this state.

Next question please.

>> Our next question is from Laura Lee of Carolina public press.

That's in governor Laura we can kind of come across.

You mentioned.

Briefly earlier the covid drugs that are in the pipeline.

And if an FDA advisers are meeting.

Today to consider the Merck drug.

>> I know that police in the vaccine process.

A lot of the distribution details actually.

Hash out prior too approvals and I'm wondering if it's a similar process.

4.

These drugs and what you know about the possibility of Egypt coming to North Carolina.

>> We're excited to have new treatments continuing to come on line for people who do have covid and I have to credit North Carolina, Sen scientists to Ben a real part of helping too discover new treatments.

We do know that initially that the pill that.

Potentially can be approved will be somewhat limited.

So we will have to have a distribution plan and I don't let doctor Cohen talk a little bit about that.

>> Thank you governor yes, lore as the as the governor mentioned there will be a centralized allocation process from the federal government with these new medicines.

They have warned us that the supply is very very limited particularly during the month of December.

So we are looking at very targeted ways in which we can use a very very limited number of courses of this medicine.

So we're looking for places where we know folks are more immunocompromised so maybe they've gotten vaccinated, but because they have some other immunodeficiency the vaccine doesn't work as well for them we want to make sure they are the ones who are prioritized for treatment at least at first.

We're hopeful that by January we'll see more supply of this vaccine which is great news.

I think every additional tool that we get here is one more thing we can use to be back this pandemic but we all need to be doing that the work of using the strongest tool which is getting vaccinated getting this did things.

Next question please.

>> Follow-up Laura Lee Carolina public press.

>> Follow her doctor Cohen on the Carter's ation criteria that you're using in terms of distribution.

That will relate to him, you know compromise individuals.

Well it also potentially relate to areas of.

Let's not a nation winning.

You know more about the people that are potentially need the drugs is that part of this calculus in determining where the truffle go.

>> Laura at first were really doing rather than targeting people it is targeting that kinds of providers that can both see those kind see patients who might be immunocompromised and can also do the prescribing and dispensing of the medication at the same time just because it's such a limited supply so they're just a there isn't a pretty narrow range of providers that will do that across the state so rather than prioritizing any particular place we're trying to get access to the pill across the state and really target to providers who seem or immunocompromised patients and have the ability to both prescribe and dispense the medicine so they could do that all in one, so that's how we're doing things at first and again I think that's just for the first few weeks and I should do what I just want to make sure folks know it has not yet gotten full authorization from the FDA they are viewing that this week so we we think maybe as soon as the end of this week or early next week for new courses of that treatment to be in North Carolina.

Thank you.

Next question.

>> Our final question for today's press conference is from groups have been with NC health news.

>> Hi governor secretary Cohen thanks so much for taking my question.

Christians are for that call in.

The first question I have is about.

>> Have think for all the crime.

You know what is the current capacity of the state to be testing for the new variant.

>> You know how many you know what the Senate of tests are being run.

You know do you feel confident that we'll be able to identify Atlanta get here quickly.

>> Rose thanks for the questions so the omicron variant can be picked up by a a standard PCR test and we was so the normal kinds of tests that you would have been get everyone has been getting.

>> At many locations across North Carolina that is the same test that would pick up this new variant as well.

We are see I think the question is more about our how many are we sequencing to understand what kind of covid is this is it a Delta strain is it and on the KRON strain.

I will say all of the samples that come in at least to the state lab.

We sequenced every single one of those positive, but that's a small fraction of the tests that are done here in North Carolina we have many labs that have been helping us with testing.

The interesting part about the omicron variant it does give off a particular signal on the PCR test and it does help our lab folks actually honing in on which samples they should be sequencing so I do think there we're going to be looking for this particular signal that it gives off on a PCR test and doing a lot more samples of that to do the sequencing but again every positive that comes to our state lab is already sequence and as I said we have not seen it here in North Carolina, no nor in another part of the United States but I know on all of our lab experts are looking closely.

At our data right now thank you.

Rose is there a follow-up.

>> Hit the 05:00AM so my only question is it's more of the you know on your tenure.

I'm looking back at the at the interview I did with you when you first came and you talked about building trust across the aisle.

And it you know by any measure you seen the been very successful at.

We can't cross the aisle to members of the the Republican members of the Legislature.

You know.

What what allows you to do that and how does too.

I guess you know talk a little bit about working with the entire legislature.

And you know what you know what it was that.

Enables you to do that.

>> Well thanks rose, I have tried over the 5 years of my tenure here as secretary to work with everyone across North Carolina.

Different stakeholders from all walks of life all sides of aisles and you know the way I do that is approach as as a problem solver I want to make our see healthier I want to improve the well-being of our state and there's a lot of common ground that I have found their when we can exchange ideas and so that has how how I have approached things and I think I also have been as transparent as I can both as you see we do a lot of day to try to help explain why we're making the decisions we are making.

And I also you know make sure that folks can can reach me that we can be in dialogue that I can hear their concerns and that we can find a place where we can move forward together so I feel like we've got we've done a lot of really good work here in the state I'm very proud of it I I think that success rests on trust.

A man is something that I have worked very hard to make sure that that folks no matter where they are in North Carolina can trust the information that we're getting is the best information that we have at the time were always still learning and improving as we go.

And I'm appreciative of all of this opportunity to lead here in the state over the last 5 years and thank you governor.

For this for this opportunity.

It's been an honor.

Thank you.

>> Press conference and just say rose that you hit on something that's really important.

Not only is doctor Cohen brilliant and hard working.

She has the ability to communicate with almost anybody.

And that has been a a source of of her string and effectiveness in this state.

As I've told or we look forward to the next 30 days but also we look forward to the time the on because we have a great team in place and continue to lead North Carolina forward.

Thank you guys for joining us today.