These stories are part of Global Voices’ special coverage of COVID-19 and offer a view on the pandemic from the perspective of our global community of contributors.
Stories about COVID-19 from May, 2020
Quarantine debates in Zanzibar conjure memories of colonial racial segregation
In light of Zanzibar’s complex history of racial segregation in the name of public health, social distancing and quarantine measures have been controversial in the fight against COVID-19.
‘Indonesia, whatever’: Frontline staff express frustration over COVID-19 response
"We risked our lives, but are paid less than is adequate. Hundreds of nurses faced pay cuts and their 13th-month salary was withheld."
Could COVID-19 help push peace forward in Yemen?
While leaders have stalled on a unified response to ending the violence to deal with the virus, several activist groups in Yemen are pushing forward a ceasefire agenda.
Talking down under: Greek PM ‘discovers’ South Zealand
"Primary school kids listen to him and drop dead laughing. Long live our Leader, our EXCELLENT KYRIAKOS! HE'S WHAT WE DESERVE!"
COVID-19 tune educates, empowers Indonesia’s remote Marapu community
"Let’s just stay at home. Let’s wash our hands diligently to protect our health and lives."
Russian doctors’ union launches ‘map of problems’ faced by medics during COVID-19
Russia's medical staff are increasingly vocal about hospital conditions and a lack of personal protective equipment during the pandemic. This interactive map allows them to tell the world about it.
Has COVID-19 worsened or improved Jamaican family dynamics?
The COVID-19 restrictions in Jamaica have diminished some families' already limited economic power while heaping additional responsibilities on parents. How are different types of families coping?
Kremlin expands online voting possibilities amid COVID-19 fears
After the Russian government passed a bill expanding possibilities for voting online and by post, journalists and digital rights activists have started to question its potential for abuse.
COVID-19 on the front lines: An interview with Ecuador’s Red Cross
"At the Red Cross we believe in humanity, in alleviating human suffering in every circumstance."
COVID-19 diaries from Wuhan: ‘You can go outside for two hours’
Someone asked me, "What is the first thing that you want to do after the lockdown is lifted?" I said, "I want to walk by the river and yell."
Will the ‘Self-reliant India’ scheme bring relief to migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced another economic reform package of 265 Billion USD during the COVID-19 pandemic which drew criticism from netizens.
Burundi voted — but will the political situation change?
Burundians voted on May 20 for a new president, with official results expected next week. The new president will face pressing questions on international relations, media repression, inclusive economic policies and impunity.
From counterterrorism to counter-COVID-19, governments use crises to impose continuous states of emergency in the Middle East
Fighting terrorism used to be the umbrella under which states of emergency were justified in the Middle East. Now, COVID-19 serves as a new justification for sweeping powers.
Support networks essential to safely leave violent partners during Ecuador's lockdown
"It is imperative to break the culture of silence."
Labour, migrant rights under spotlight as Thailand wrestles with COVID-19 impact
Fearing instability, the Thai government is failing to protect the labor rights of both Thai nationals and migrant workers.
Nepal’s first 360 degree virtual contemporary art exhibition
Artwork by 19 renowned Nepali artists showcased in an online virtual exhibition named ‘Tangential Stress’ by the Museum of Nepali Art (MoNA).
Breaking the cycle of domestic violence made more difficult during Ecuador's quarantine
"I’ve tried to leave my partner a few times, but he became the centre of my universe. That’s why, despite everything, I stay with him".
COVID-19-themed Global Voices story stars in Czech translation competition
Moderator Jan Faber spoke with GV about record-breaking participation in this year's edition, the future of translation and common errors that foreigners make when writing in Czech.
Stranded Nepali migrant workers protest to return home, Nepali government drags its feet
Nepal's government tries to stall repatriating migrant workers stranded abroad.
Journalists in Russia's regions catalogue the ‘unseen victims’ of COVID-19
The wider social and economic consequences of COVID-19 have destroyed livelihoods and sometimes ended lives. Coronavictims.ru exists to catalogue what its founders call the "unseen" victims of the pandemic.
Nepali Muslims eye India's growing Islamophobia with fear
The coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated the status of already vulnerable minority Muslims in Nepal.
