Pakistanis definitely need no introduction to vlogger Eva Zu Beck who everyone got to know for the first time from her viral PIA Kiki Challenge. She received immense love from Pakistan and established herself as a travel vlogger. After completing her assignment in Pakistan, Eva traveled to a number of countries including Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, and now she’s based in Yemen.
When the unfortunate Covid-19 struck the entire world, Eva Zu Beck was traveling Socotra, a remote Island of Yemen
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9wQr3jn8ah/
Eva also mentioned this on her social media that she’s waiting at the island till the pandemic ends
So, one would think that Eva is avoiding social interactions on the island as authorities all around the world have been suggesting, but that’s not the case
Umm… turns out Eva Zu Beck is interacting with locals at the remote island in Yemen by having traveled there in March, as the coronavirus became a pandemic. While she says she was screened and allowed by island authorities before being allowed to mingle with the locals, people have shared concerns.
As the island went into lockdown and closed its borders, Eva has stayed back, while many others including her boyfriend, left for Cairo on the last flight from the island.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAAhdlxA4zW/
Eva is facing severe backlash for having traveled to the island in the middle of a pandemic and not respecting the lockdown situation
Social media influencer @evabiankaz who went to Socotra island, Yemen during COVID-19 *STILL* refuses to self-isolate (or leave), she is hyper mobile travelling all over the island & interacting extensively with Socotris. Please respectfully reach out to her #respect_socotra pic.twitter.com/082H43HsQP
— Ella Al-Shamahi (@Ella_AlShamahi) May 15, 2020
People are concerned about the health and safety of the indigenous people of Socotra, as this negligence on the part of Eva could come at a heavy price for the locals
Yemen does not have that infrastructure to handle a massive outbreak so endangering lives of locals in such a way could result in a huge cost in terms of human lives. There’s a whole campaign of #respect_socotra going on.
Hey do see the slides… there are no Covid tests on the island, end of last week she was still posting stories with her interacting with lots of people… x
— Ella Al-Shamahi (@Ella_AlShamahi) May 19, 2020
People are also enraged that a CNN article showed sympathy withand allegedly misrepresented Eva’s situation
The article sympathized with the vlogger for being ”stuck” at a distant island and making the best of her situation.
Shocked- I need you guys to message @CNN to tell them to take this down. Indigenous lives have been put at risk by her refusing to self isolate, putting self promotion ahead of the vulnerable people on this Yemeni island. There’s literally a campaign about this – next tweet https://t.co/AF2bg3VXjR
— Ella Al-Shamahi (@Ella_AlShamahi) May 19, 2020
The article quietly inserts “viral infection” then tip toes away. My guess is, this island doesn’t have testing for covid and this chic had it and now the vulnerable indigenous people of the island are at risk.
— Cut the gas (@khaleesislifts) May 19, 2020
While the rest of the world is being responsible, one “social media influencer” is putting the lives of everyone on the island of Socotra is at risk – and @CNN is cheering her on. HAS THE WORLD GONE MAD?
— Paula Kahumbu (@paulakahumbu) May 19, 2020
The international community is furious at Eva Zu Beck for not being mindful of the lockdown restrictions
This is selfish, immoral, and quite simply dangerous behaviour. She has no right to endanger the local population with her abhorrent actions. Lockdowns are there for a reason and it's not to put entire populations at risk.
— Iain Boatman (@MesolithicMe) May 19, 2020
Eva Zu Beck at it again with her coloniser entitlement https://t.co/1aseAcn6gH
— فضا (@purpleside24) May 19, 2020
Eva Zu Beck has also responded to the entire backlash
In an Instagram post, Eva states that her intention was never to promote active travel. She just intended to share the beauty of the place while she was there. She says that she has spent her time in her family home in one village and intends to keep it that way.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAXxkLonU5F/
Traveling is restricted for a reason in a global pandemic. We sincerely hope that the people of Socotra, and around the world, remain safe during this Covid-19 crisis.
And for you guys, stay home. Stay safe.
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Cover image via @evazubeck/ Instagram
