(NORTH CAROLINA NEWS NETWORK) — As we come closer to Thanksgiving, North Carolina is seeing record hospitalization numbers from COVID-19.

So what does this mean for Thanksgiving next week?

Dr. Melissa Miller, the head of the microbiology lab at UNC Hospitals, tells ABC11 a negative COVID-19 test doesn’t mean people can do whatever they want when it comes to seeing family members.

Dr. Miller says it’s clear the odds increase in testing positive for COVID-19 if you eat inside.

Miller says it’s important to follow mitigation factors, like wearing masks and social distancing.

Dr. Miller says as hard as it is right now to avoid those folks who aren’t in your immediate household, now is not the time to mingle.