Stories about Health from March, 2020
As Ebola outbreak ends, coronavirus begins in DR Congo
While DR Congo has proclaimed the end of Ebola, it now faces its first cases of COVID-19. Will lessons learned from Ebola help combat the novel coronavirus?
India stays home for 14 hours in the fight against COVID-19
Millions of Indians confined themselves to their homes between 7 am and 9 pm on March 22, 2020, in response to a government-imposed curfew to curb the spread of COVID-19.
COVID-19 diaries from Wuhan: ‘…not only a city being locked down, but also our voices’
In these Wuhan diaries, the lives of ordinary people living under top-down control and surveillance, show how people are atomized and reduced into a collective.
Quarantine woes in Bangladesh amid coronavirus fears
The government has ordered Bangladeshis who are returning from affected COVID-19 countries to home-quarantine. But a lack of monitoring has led to concerns that the disease may spread rapidly.
With no confirmed cases of COVID-19, Mozambique prepares for looming outbreak
Mozambique hasn't yet closed its land borders, but has imposed a 14-day quarantine for people arriving from affected countries and prohibited gatherings with more than 300 people.
COVID-19 pandemic lays bare the political leadership deficit in Nigeria
Nigeria's President Buhari is yet to speak to Nigerians about the COVID-19 pandemic. His spokespersons have even scolded legislators for daring to ask him to address the country.
Nigeria enforces travel bans amid sloppy management of COVID-19 cases
Nigerian netizens are calling for a travel ban for travelers from high COVID-19 transmission areas. This will strengthen the national response to the pandemic.
Tanzania tackles COVID-19 with strict measures to slow the spread
In the wake of six confirmed COVID-19 cases in Tanzania, the government has taken strict measures to slow the spread. But messaging and communication around preventative measures remains a challenge.
St Petersburg firm creates online bar for self-isolating Russians
As coronavirus cases in Russia rise, a startup in St Petersburg has launched a "virtual bar" where self-isolating Russians can build new friendships and feel a little less alone.
‘Protecting forests is crucial to cure pandemics,’ indigenous leaders say
"If the forests are cut down, where are we going to get medicine?"
Turkmenistan fights coronavirus with (more) isolation and herbal remedies
Turkmen officials deny any cases of COVID-19 in the country. They aim to keep the virus away by closing borders, testing incoming travellers, and burning an aromatic desert grass.
Czech Republic enters quarantine amid conflicting government directives
The Czech Republic has entered nationwide quarantine on March 16. But people are allowed to travel to work and shop for food outside.
Trinidad & Tobago closes its borders as COVID-19 cases double to four
Using Italy as an example of how COVID-19 was able to spread quickly, Prime Minister Rowley warned the consequences will be grave if Trinbagonians do not adhere to the guidelines.
Study suggests that China could have prevented 95% of its coronavirus cases
Coronavirus cases could have been reduced by 66 per cent if the measures were taken a week earlier, the study suggested, or by 86 per cent if action began two weeks earlier.
Trinidad & Tobago's fight against COVID-19 puts emphasis on ‘personal responsibility’
The country's two COVID-19 cases are reportedly improving, but the Ministry of Health is urging people to be conscientious about prevention methods.
COVID-19 in Africa: ‘Unprecedented levels of mobilization’ as nations brace for pandemic
With at least 19 African countries facing COVID-19, several African governments have taken critical steps toward managing the outbreak, including travel restrictions, health screenings, rapid testing and social distancing measures.
New COVID-19 disaster area order places a Jamaican community under quarantine, but ‘not under curfew’
As Jamaica confirms eight cases of COVID-19, the government has activated legislation which expands the authorities' powers in an effort to contain the outbreak.
With no officially confirmed cases, El Salvador locks itself down to prevent COVID-19
"What would Italy give to be in our position?"
Trinidad & Tobago clamps down as two cases of COVID-19 are confirmed
Schools have been closed, cruise ship arrivals have been suspended, and major events have been cancelled as the government tries to contain the spread of the virus.
Does Singapore’s ‘top-down approach’ to handling COVID-19 deserve all the praise it's been getting?
"Singapore's coronavirus strategy cannot be just a top-down approach that does not account for the feelings of people on the ground."
Life in the time of COVID-19: Jamaicans adjust their lifestyles as country records second case
After two cases of COVID-19 are confirmed in Jamaica, anxiety is high and Jamaicans are limiting their social contact.