Miss World finale postponed after Covid outbreak

The finale of the Miss World beauty pageant in Puerto Rico has been postponed following confirmation of news that several contestants had tested positive for Covid-19. In an official statement posted to social media, the organisers had made the announcement of postponement "due to health and safety interest of contestants, staff, crew and general public".

"After meeting with the virologists and medical experts hired to oversee the Miss World 2021 event and discussing with the Puerto Rico Health Department, the decision has been made by the organisers of the event to postpone the globally broadcast finale at the Puerto Rico Coliseum Jose Miguel Agrelot to be held within the next 90 days," the post on the pageant's official Facebook said late Thursday night.

Although safety measures had been implemented the confirmation of more positive cases had forced them to take this step, the statement reads. All contestants and staff had been quarantined with immediate effect, the pageant holders said. Only after testing negative would they be allowed to return home.

Manasi Varanasi, who is the winner of Miss India from Telangana has also tested positive for Covid-19 according to the Miss India page on Facebook who has assured her supporters that she is doing well.

"Our queen, Manasa Varanasi is one of the contestants who has been tested Covid positive and is currently in isolation at Puerto Rico. We, at the Miss India Organisation, were in great disbelief that she might not be able to grace the world stage inspite of her immense hard word and dedication. However, her safety is of utmost priority to us," the statement said.