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

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.

Eva is facing severe backlash for having traveled to the island in the middle of a pandemic and not respecting the lockdown situation

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.

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.

The international community is furious at Eva Zu Beck for not being mindful of the lockdown restrictions

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.

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.