With many members of the public, including medical staff, unable to get tested for COVID-19 despite showing symptoms, a number of celebrities and influencers have been quick to post their coronavirus results online, with many of them not showing symptoms at all. Causing obvious outrage, one such influencer to ignite backlash is Arielle Charnas, a fashion blogger with 1.3 million followers.

Taking to Instagram two weeks ago (March 18), Charnas wrote in a lengthy post she had tested positive for the virus. Going on to acknowledge the lack of accessibility for many to get tested, and pledging to stay at home, Charnas then embarked on a trip to the Hamptons from her home in New York, disregarding the protocol to self-isolate.

The influencer then posted a picture of herself outdoors (March 27), along with the caption, “Fresh air 🙏”. With medical professionals recommending that those who have tested posted for the virus self-isolate for 14 days to prevent further spread of the pandemic, Charnas posted her picture 11 days after revealing her test results. 

Unsettled IG users took to the comments to criticise the post, with many labelling her “privileged” and “irresponsible”. Charnas soon posted another picture of herself outside, this time walking hand in hand with her daughter down a street lined with houses. 

The incident has reflected a wider outrage about the disparity between those being able to access medical help during these times and those who can’t, with the privilege and access that celebrities and influencer have right now being called into question. Kim Kardashian West too has been criticised, with many arguing she was profiting off the virus after promoting her Skims products with a 20 per cent donation to the organisation Baby2Baby which is helping fight the pandemic. She has since announced her decision to donate $1m through her shapeline company.

Saying this, however, a number of celebrities have come forward to help as much they can during this strange time. Kanye West has donated thousands of free meals to charities in the US, Taylor Swift has gifted money to her fans, while several designers have committed to producing medical equipment.