Infectious Disease Expert Available to Comment on Trajectory of COVID-19 Pandemic, Virus Variants, Vaccine Distribution and Masking After Vaccination

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — Pia MacDonald, MPH, Ph.D., an infectious disease epidemiologist at RTI International, a nonprofit research institute, is available for media interviews on the trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine distribution planning, virus variants and if public health measures, like physical distancing, hand washing, masking, will need to be continued post vaccination.

Throughout the course of the pandemic, Dr. MacDonald has reiterated in media interviews that most states across the U.S. never effectively flattened the curve. She can speak to the current trajectory of the pandemic, as well as new virus variants and how they could impact transmission and vaccination efforts.

As states continue to rollout COVID-19 vaccines, it is important to note that cases are still dramatically rising across the country and public health measures need to continue to be implemented, even after individuals are vaccinated. Dr. MacDonald can provide insight on returning to ‘normal’ life post vaccination and what that might look like.

In her current role at RTI, Dr. MacDonald works on emerging infectious diseases and strengthening capacity to prevent, detect and respond to disease outbreaks domestically and globally. She served as an Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer within the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and led projects funded by the CDC, NIH, and the North Carolina Division of Public Health.