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 December, 2021
Portraits of a pandemic: Films on the unequal impact of COVID-19 in the Asia-Pacific
“Portraits of a Pandemic” holds space for stories that portray with care and nuance the effects of the COVID-19 crisis in the Asia-Pacific.
Malawian scientist who forewarned about Omicron-type variant speaks out
"When an unvaccinated person is infected, there is more virus and for longer, so chances are just higher that these new variants will emerge" notes Bandawe, the Malawian scientist.
2021 in review, from a Caribbean point of view
While the Caribbean was primarily focused on rising COVID-19 infection rates, a steady stream of variants, and strong vaccine hesitancy, the pandemic wasn't the only story affecting the region in 2021.
St Lucia announces it will host a ‘vaxxed’ Carnival in 2022, but is it realistic?
"We have to ensure that we preserve the health of St. Lucia while creating an economic activity for our people to benefit from.”
Zagreb protests: Croatians divided around COVID-19 certificates
A series of protests erupted in Croatia after its government mandated certificates to show public sector employees are vaccinated, have recovered from COVID-19 or have tested negative.
High infection, low vaccination—could mandatory COVID-19 vaccines be the answer for Caribbean nations?
"Having demonstrated that mandatory vaccination is constitutionally appropriate given the leeway granted in favour of public health imperatives, [...] employers could justify a requirement in a pandemic context."
Omicron prompts Japan to attempt “national isolation” once more
Following the identification of a new strain of COVID-19, the Japanese government briefly attempted to completely seal the country's air and sea borders.
Colonial prejudices and vaccine nationalism drive COVID-19 African travel bans
Omicron has spread to many countries, but most Western countries red-listed only southern African countries. This is reflective of the colonial stereotyping of Africans as savages from a diseased continent.
Turkey's Medical professionals call for better working conditions
Health care workers marched from Istanbul to Ankara to draw attention to the harsh working conditions medical workers faced during the pandemic, including mobbing, long shifts, and economic hardships.
