Miss World 2021 was postponed on Thursday, just hours before the event was scheduled to start. The press release from the organisers said that multiple people linked to the event had tested positive for COVID-19. The question remains- what will happen now?

The press release reads, “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 organizers 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.”

It continued, “As of yesterday, additional safety measures were implemented in the best interest of the contestants, production team and spectators, understanding the event’s 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.”

Also read: Miss World 2021 postponed amid COVID outbreak

The organisers of the Miss World 2021 contest said in the press release they were hopeful that the event would be rescheduled in the next 90 days, however, the decision would be made after considering the situation at the moment.

The press release also talked about the next steps concerning the contestants and staff. It read”

“The next step according to the medical experts is immediate quarantine, pending observation and further testing according to best practices in situations like this. Once and only when contestants and staff are cleared by health officials and advisors, will contestants and related staff return to their home countries.”

Thus, the contestants are likely to return to their home countries after their reports are tested and cleared by the concerned health officials. 

Also read: 23-year-old Manasa Varanasi crowned as Miss India World 2020

The Miss World competition takes places after weeks of preliminary eliminations leading upto 15 finalists who then compete head to head for the talent competition, the sporting competition, the top model challenge and the Beauty With A Purpose challenge.

The 15 finalists for this season are: 

Miss Botswana Palesa Mofele

Miss Cameroon Audrey Monkam

Miss Cote D’Ivoire Olivia Yacé

Miss England Rehema Muthamia

Miss India Manasa Varanasi

Miss Kenya Sharon Obara

Miss Mexico Karolina Vidales

Miss Mongolia Burte-Ujin Anu

Miss Nepal Namrata Shrestha

Miss Nicaragua Sheynnis Palacios

Miss Paraguay Bethania Borba

Miss Philippines Tracy Perez

Miss South Africa Shudufhadzo Musida

Miss United States Shree Saini

Miss Venezuela Alejandra Conde