First case of Brazilian COVID-19 variant found in Wisconsin
RILEY VETTERKIND
Updated
UW Health opened an indoor drive-thru COVID-19 testing facility Wednesday on Madison's Far East Side, where Katrina Lovick was among those administering tests. The site, for UW Health patients and employees, replaces an outdoor venue on the city's West Side.
The first case of the Brazilian variant of COVID-19 — a third strain that spreads more rapidly and easily than the original strain of the virus — has been discovered in Wisconsin, the state Department of Health Services said.
The torrent of disruption to daily life over the past year has been inescapable.
Calendar squares filled with weddings and events cleared. Vacations vanished. Schools shuttered and hand sanitizer was in short supply. We learned new words, like social distancing, herd immunity and doomscrolling.
Rev. Marcus Allen knew what bringing everyone together could do for their spiritual and mental health. But each time he considered reopening the church, COVID-19 cases surged.
"We’re used to taking whatever comes through the door," said nurse Maria Hanson, who started journaling about the pandemic soon after treating the patient.
"It’s a risk vs. reward thing and I risk my life to save others," said Brandon Jones, who always worried about bringing the virus home to his wife and two kids.
“Usually a funeral is a major step in understanding that a life was lived and the person is now gone,” he said. “If families don’t get that, it’s just really hard.”
"We’re used to taking whatever comes through the door," said nurse Maria Hanson, who started journaling about the pandemic soon after treating the patient.
"It’s a risk vs. reward thing and I risk my life to save others," said Brandon Jones, who always worried about bringing the virus home to his wife and two kids.
“Usually a funeral is a major step in understanding that a life was lived and the person is now gone,” he said. “If families don’t get that, it’s just really hard.”
UW Health opened an indoor drive-thru COVID-19 testing facility Wednesday on Madison's Far East Side, where Katrina Lovick was among those administering tests. The site, for UW Health patients and employees, replaces an outdoor venue on the city's West Side.