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, 2021
As tourists party, citizens under COVID lockdown ask: Are there ‘two Jamaicas'?
When video of an event at a popular entertainment spot emerged, the images of hundreds of maskless revelers partying in close quarters prompted a wave of anger across Jamaica's blogosphere.
Could the breakdown in public trust explain Hong Kong's sluggish vaccine roll-out?
Trust and solidarity are known remedies in dealing with vaccine hesitancy. In Hong Kong, however, the political divide might have reached a point of no return.
A new COVID-19 wave overwhelms pandemic-conscious Taiwan
Taiwan recorded 3,161 COVID-19 cases so far in May 2021. Previously, it had registered fewer than 1,200 total cases since the start of the pandemic.
Jamaican literacy activist puts more books into the hands of children isolated by COVID-19 restrictions
"For children who were reading before and continue to have access to books, the pages have been a safe place from the pandemic. For others, the situation has worsened."
Resistance, rebellion, and rage: Japan's opposition to the Tokyo Olympics
As Japan continues to struggle with a new wave of COVID-19 infections, opposition to the upcoming Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games continues to build.
Tunisians left to themselves to fight COVID-19
Once the pride of Tunisia, the public health system has deteriorated since the 1990s because of corruption and deregulation in favour of the private sector.
France, Turkey, Poland: The reality of the new COVID-19 spike crisis
“The figures serve to discount the Western implication that Indian democracy and civil society have failed in the last analysis to match the achievements of the richer nations.”
Nepal appeals for international support amidst sweeping second COVID-19 wave
Nepal is devastated by the second wave of Coronavirus. The infection rate is rising sharply and the health infrastructure is crumbling, Nepal has asked for international support.
Lockdown for citizens, beach holiday for tourists: New ad exposes Turkey's lopsided COVID rules
Turkey introduced fresh lockdown measures on April 29 in a bid to curb a new COVID-19 wave -- but international holidaymakers are exempt from them.
Amid Eid ul-Fitr celebrations, a look at the Muslim presence in the Caribbean
New generations of Caribbean Muslims are being born and raised in the diaspora, creating a type of religious hybrid that sometimes puts traditional approaches under strain.
Burundi is releasing thousands from jail, but many political prisoners remain behind bars
The authorities seek to relieve pressure on the country's overcrowded jails as well as improve diplomatic relations, notably with Europe, which has imposed sanctions on Burundi following its controversial 2015 elections.
Public distress as Turkey institutes yet another COVID-19 lockdown
The new measures were met with much criticism, especially among working-class people who received very little or no financial support during the last year and a half of the pandemic.
In the grip of pandemic, ‘the time is now’
"I don't know, but I want to be here, persisting. Intemperately. Ridiculously. Maybe even foolishly. And the difficulty has been in believing I deserve that grace. Maybe you feel the same way."