Miss World postponed over COVID-19 concerns

The organisers of Miss World 2021 have announced that the grand finale, scheduled for today in Puerto Rico, has been postponed due to health and safety concerns of contestants, staff, crew and the general public.

A press release stated, "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."

It added, "As of yesterday, 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."

According to the medical experts, the next step 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.

The finale will be rescheduled and held at the Puerto Rico Coliseum Jose Miguel Agrelot within the next 90 days.

The current Miss World is Toni-Ann Singh of Jamaica. The island's representative at the 70th Miss World Final in Puerto Rico is Khalia Hall.