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
‘We're staying home today’: The unexpected anthem of Russia's COVID-19 lockdown
"We're staying home today," a 2017 song by Moscow band Hadn Dadn, has captivated a country cautiously emerging from lockdown.
Photo contest asks Rohingya community to document their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic
A photography competition for Rohingya people is being held from April 23 – August 23, 2020, featuring two broad categories – “Rohingya life” and “Response to Coronavirus” and entries can be submitted online.
Nigerian pastor spreads COVID-19 conspiracies and disinformation
Som Nigerian evangelical pastors act as purveyors of disinformation, half-truths and total falsehood about the coronavirus — with divine conviction.
‘If a dirt, a dirt': COVID-19 and the reopening of the Jamaican economy
"Once things have “opened up” it will be back to normal. I don’t believe it will be a “new normal” – just normal."
COVID-19 in the Caribbean: ‘Looking out, not going out’
Though regional citizens are still laying low as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, many have been recording their thoughts in various ways, while in relative isolation.
‘Corona Ciao': Parody of old revolutionary song goes viral in the Balkans
Insult to revolutionary heritage, paean to middle-aged tavern-going privilege or just a bit of fun?
COVID-19 diaries from Wuhan: ‘People cannot grieve freely for their relatives. How repressive!’
"After the storm, we will need to rebuild our lives like those blown-down buildings."
Honduran congresswoman claims she was blocked from virtual plenary session
In times of COVID-19 and confinement, the use of technology that replaces in-person meetings could undermine democratic processes, through sheer inefficiency or by malice.
Amid COVID-19 pandemic in Niger, government violates whistleblowers’ freedom of speech
Today in Niger, freedom of demonstration, assembly and speech are endangered, flouted by the unelected administrative authorities of various municipalities in the country.
Venezuelans come together to provide food for the elderly of Caracas
"We can't put an end to poverty, but we can do our bit to help those who need it most."
Across the Middle East, many women face a double threat: Abuser inside, virus outside
The coronavirus pandemic has once again exposed the dire state of women’s rights in the Middle East and North Africa and exacerbated the silent but deadly pandemic of domestic violence.
In Bangladesh, criticism of government response to the COVID-19 pandemic is risky
"Would it be wrong if someone says that the authorities in Bangladesh, equipped with Digital Security Act, launched a crackdown on those critical to the government?"
COVID-19: Switching online is not an option in conflict-stricken countries in the Middle East
While the internet provides a lifeline in wealthy countries during COVID-19, this is not the case in conflict-stricken countries in the Middle East.
COVID-19 regulations and the issue of overcrowding in Jamaica's markets
The detection of more than 100 positive coronavirus cases at a call centre seriously spiked Jamaica's numbers and prompted stricter safety regulations — but have some backfired?
Russians in lockdown celebrate a subdued Victory Day online
There were no parades this year. But the RuNet's resourcefulness prepared Russia well to commemorate Victory Day in lockdown — seamlessly converting the largest public holiday into a mass online event.
Promoting coronavirus education through indigenous languages
A new online initiative called virALLanguages is helping speakers of indigenous, minority, endangered and other marginalized languages create informational videos on coronavirus in their own languages.
The nightmare in Syria continues amid new coronavirus fears
The gathering of displaced persons in Idlib, Syria, has sparked international concern that this community — living under the harshest conditions — could be deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 diaries from Wuhan: ‘A person can survive the pandemic but not bullying, fear, and hatred’
People are asked to report their status to the grid controller and health code system everyday in exchange of mobility after the lifting of lockdown.
Thailand's homeless particularly at risk amid COVID-19 pandemic
"Since I didn’t have enough money to go home, I decided to become a homeless person and stay here."
As tourism declines in Cambodia, tuk-tuk drivers are down and out in Phnom Penh
"Today, I have not provided one service, and tomorrow, I’m not sure whether one will come or not. Probably finding a construction job is better."
COVID-19 and Trinidad and Tobago education's digital divide
"What we do not want is a situation where the exclusion of students is a threat greater than COVID-19 to our education."