Miss World 2021 postponed, Miss India and several other contestants contract covid-19

The Miss World 2021 finale has been temporarily postponed in view of "health and safety interests of contestants, staff, crew and the general public."

The finale was scheduled to take place on December 16 in Puerto Rico. According to the latest reports, it will be rescheduled at Jose Miguel Agrelot Coliseum of Puerto Rico within the next 90 days.

17 people, including Miss World 2021 contestants as well as the crew have contracted Covid-19, according to reports. Miss India 2020 Manasa Varanasi, who is representing India at the pageant, is also one of them.

In a statement released to announce the news, the Miss World Organization wrote -

“Miss World 2021 temporarily postpones the global broadcast finale in Puerto Rico due to the health and safety interest of contestants, staff, crew and the general public."

In response to this, Miss India Organization wrote on its Instagram handle -

“Keeping in mind the rising covid cases amongst the contestants, the Miss World Organization 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 Organization 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. We thank Ms Julia Morley for prioritizing the health of not only the countries infected but also the team and other contestants above the pageant. We pray for their health and wish a speedy recovery for all those infected. We can’t wait to welcome Manasa back home, nurture her back to health & send her back stronger, healthier & happier.

Power to you all!”