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 October, 2021
Hong Kong stays firm on zero-COVID policy as its top strategy to reconnect with China
"So if Hong Kong were to loosen border controls for people arriving from overseas... then the chances to travel with the mainland will be reduced," says Hong Kong's Chief Executive.
‘Loss and Damage’ are critical issues for fragile Caribbean states at COP26
"It’s important for high emitting, major polluters to commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. That is what is driving the extremes of climate change. Meanwhile, we have to adapt."
How children became the worst sufferers of COVID-19 induced lockdowns in India
VideoVolunteers Community Correspondents (CCs) report from the ground on the devastating consequences of COVID-19 lockdowns for primary education in rural schools in India.
Controversial Jamaican pastor dies in car crash on the way to being charged for ‘cult’ deaths
Following the bizarre deaths of two congregants and a car crash that claimed the life of the sect's leader, Jamaicans are incredulous over how such "churches" are allowed to operate.
In Georgia, there is still hope for rainbow colors
Global Voices spoke with Giorgi Tabagari, 35, founder of Tbilisi Pride on Georgia's recent anti-LGBTQ+ developments and the plight of the country's queer community.
On National Heroes Day, Jamaicans at home and abroad pay their respects to ‘son of the soil,’ General Colin Powell
Despite his reputation for decency and integrity, Jamaicans—and the Caribbean in general—had qualms about General Powell’s involvement in the Iraq War.
Community care during the pandemic in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines
From community pantries in the Philippines to the White Flag movement in Malaysia, this pandemic has spurred communities to mobilize and provide aid during this public health emergency.
Fake vaccine passport scandal revealed in Armenia
Authorities estimate that over 700 people bought the fake vaccine certificates from healthcare workers in Gyumri — Armenia’s second-largest city.
COVID-19, vaccination and the progress of the global healthcare system
“ … obesity might soon be recognised as a vitally strategic global element in explaining varying COVID-19 levels between rich and poor.”
Could Miami show Trinidad and Tobago how to safely pull off Carnival in a pandemic?
"There were free testing stations, temperature checks. They followed strict protocols [...] My friends who participated are all fully vaccinated. Hoping that it wasn’t a super spreader."
How Namadingo is uniting generations of Malawian musicians through Reggae duet mashups
The duets have also introduced younger fans to an older generation of musicians, including Giddes Chalamanda, the oldest living legend in Malawian music today.
Jamaica forced to dump 55,000 doses as COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy persists
"Before [social media] those who were uninformed knew they were uninformed ... now [the] same uninformed listen to two fake news video clips [and] pronounce themselves experts."
Kenyan government’s use of surveillance technologies to tackle COVID-19 raises human rights concerns
Kenya's 2019 data protection legislation was supposed to offer a framework for the government to acquire citizens' data in a transparent and rights-respecting manner, but some say it lacks independent oversight.
