6 lives disrupted: How COVID-19 changed Madison

“Reporting the death counts out day after day was draining,” she said. “It felt like I was announcing a funeral every day.”

"I was getting my work done from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. every day," she said.

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.”