Tweaking your Thanksgiving holiday plans to keep your family safe from COVID-19

Guest: Dr. Linda Bell, South Carolina state epidemiologist 

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Listen in below as Dr. Linda Bell joined popular radio host Terry Base, and Garcia Williams, executive director of The Medi, for a #COVID19 conversation and provided updates from her perspective as a public health expert on the precautions she advises the public take during the Thanksgiving holiday, given that COVID-19 cases are rising again.

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Thanksgiving is usually focused on bringing together family and friends. But as the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, things may be different this year as we rethink our plans for dinner gatherings and other social get-togethers this holiday season. The happy news is that with some additional planning and lower-risk activities, your family can still make lasting memories—and perhaps some new traditions—while minimizing the risk of being exposed to, or spreading COVID-19 to loved ones.

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Dr. Bell discovered a passion for the study of infectious diseases while studying internal medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, where a faculty member encouraged her to apply as a CDC epidemic intelligence service officer. She has since served in a variety of roles for the CDC and South Carolina DHEC, specializing in disease surveillance, identifying outbreaks, and developing guidance for the public and healthcare providers. She has been our state's epidemiologist for nearly eight years.

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She is passionate about the health and well-being of our community and believes decisions should be based on "accurate information and science." She continues to follow facts as they evolve from research into the transmission and progress of the coronavirus.

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Tune in every Monday morning to WJNI 106.3 FM or listen online at www.wjnigospel.com for a new, local conversation about COVID-19 and how it's affecting under-served populations, with information and experts that can't be found anywhere else. Past episodes of MEDI MONDAYS: The Coronavirus Edition can also be found at www.themedi.org/Medi-Mondays-Coronavirus.