COVID 19 has hit Miss World 2021 pageant in Puerto Rico prompting the organizers to postpone the globally broadcast finale.
Several contestants including India’s Manasa Varanasi tested Covid positive just before the finale. The event will be held within 90 days.
Organizers said additional safety measures were implemented in the best interest of the “contestants, production team and spectators, understanding the event increased risks on the stage and in the dressing room. However, after additional positive cases were confirmed this morning after consulting with health officials and experts, the postponement decision was made.”
“The next step according to the medical experts is immediate quarantine, pending observation, and further testing according to best practices in situations like this,” the statement said.
It also said the contestants and staff would return to their home countries only when they are cleared by health officials and advisors.
“We are very much looking forward to the return of our contestants, (who we have grown to know and love), to compete for the Miss World crown” said Julia Morley, CEO of Miss World Ltd. Puerto Rico.
This year, Manasa Varanasi is representing India at the 70th Miss World pageant. Telangana native was crowned Miss India 2020. Besides being crowned Miss India, she was also declared Miss Ramp Walk.
In a social media post, the Miss India organization said: “To those affected, we wish you all a speedy recovery and can’t wait to see you all at the Miss World Finale. @manasa5varanasi you return only to go back stronger.”
“Keeping in mind the rising Covid cases amongst the contestants, the Miss World Organisation has taken the decision to postpone the Miss World Finale. Our queen, Manasa Varanasi is one of the contestants who has been tested Covid positive and is currently in isolation in Puerto Rico. We, at the Miss India Organisation, were in great disbelief that she might not be able to grace the world stage in spite of her immense hard work and dedication. However, her safety is of utmost priority to us,” it said.
“We can’t wait to welcome Manasa back home, nurture her back to health and send her back stronger, healthier and happier,” it added.
