Influencer tests positive after fans slammed her virus fears

A New York-based social media influencer and fashion designer has silenced critics after her coronavirus test came back positive.

Arielle Charnas was slammed by fans after she documented her drive-through test experience after complaining of flu-like symptoms.

Many fans branded her access to the test an abuse of privilege considering US citizens have been struggling to access the test, but now the mum has revealed her test came back positive in a stark Instagram message to her 1.3 million followers.

“This morning, I learned that I tested positive for COVID-19,” she announced in a lengthy written post on Wednesday evening.

She also addressed criticism of her access to the test.

“I realise that there are many individuals who do not have the ability to receive immediate medical care at the first sign of sickness, and access to care is #1 priority in a time like this,” she wrote. “I acknowledge how lucky I am to have had that access.”

Arielle is best known as the author of fashion blog Something Navy and took time to explain her symptoms, though made it very clear that a qualified medical professional should be everyone’s first point of call when it comes to the virus, and that symptoms can vary.

Symptoms change from person to person and with the severity of the illness.

The mum of two explained she had first experienced a dry throat which developed into a sore throat with chest heaviness.

She then had a fever for two days with a headache and sinus pressure.

She reported a low appetite or sense of smell and horrible body aches that keep her up at night.

Arielle told followers she plans to continue to self-isolate and get lots of rest and drink fluids.

She will also contact family and friends that she had close contact with over the past 2 weeks.

Arielle joins a host of familiar faces to have come down with the virus.

Celebrities who have tested positive to coronavirus

Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson were the first high-profile celebrities to reveal they had tested positive for coronavirus while in Australia.

Tom and Rita announced in March they were being treated in an Australian hospital after contracting the virus, and Australian singer Thelma Plum was also diagnosed with coronavirus.

British actor and DJ Idris Elba told fans on Monday that he too got a positive result after being tested for coronavirus over the weekend, and Norwegian Game of Thrones star Kristofer Hivju confirmed a positive test on Tuesday.

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