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 March, 2021
COVID-19: Spanish town hopes to overcome the economic crisis with its own virtual currency
The "elio" was launched at the end of 2020 and more than 600 families have already used the app.
Transition in Tanzania: From President Magufuli to President Hassan
To some, Magufuli is remembered as a “true African statesman'' and pan-African putting Africa first. Other remember him as a “populist” president who promoted nationalism — above all else.
Did the Ethiopian government use its COVID-19 restrictions to silence dissent?
The state of emergency restrictions were used as grounds to arrest a lawyer and a journalist last year -- both known critics of the government in Addis Ababa.
Malaysia’s ‘fake news’ ordinance takes effect amid continuing concern over the COVID-19 state of emergency
"This ordinance strengthens the perception that the state of emergency we are currently in is a smokescreen to curb any form of criticism towards the government of the day."
Jordanians protest a year under a defense law with no gains, as COVID-19 cases spiral
Repeated government failures, shaky political managements of crises, compounded with the worsening pandemic-hit economy and draconian emergency laws drove people to protest across the kingdom.
The difficulties journalists face covering the COVID-19 pandemic in three African countries
Journalists from Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria identified mis-and disinformation, and safety concerns while in the field, as some of the greatest obstacles while reporting during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sri Lanka reverses decision to bury COVID-19 victims on remote island after protests
Iranaithivu islanders objected to the Sri Lankan government’s decision to allow the burial of COVID-19 victims, following the reversal of a ban on cremations that affected Muslim and Christian communities
Trinidad & Tobago minister declares ‘safest time for sea turtles’ despite spike in poaching
Leatherback turtle nesting season is well underway, but conservation groups are up in arms over COVID-19 restrictions, which currently block them from doing nightly beach patrols to protect the turtles.
How COVID-19 ramped up a simmering hostility between Brazil and China
While governments around the world scrambled to secure vials of the COVID-19 vaccine, Bolsonaro refused to negotiate with drug companies, especially the Chinese ones.
Nepal’s progressive COVID-19 vaccine campaign plagued by ‘infodemic’
"Even doctors and nurses were reluctant to inoculate themselves. Failure to communicate, allay concerns about side effects, and ensure access in remote areas were the main blocks to better coverage."