Miss World 2021 postponed after India's Manasa Varanasi and 16 other contestants test positive

The finale of Miss World 2021 has been temporarily postponed after several contestants tested positive for Covid-19. The announcement was made on Thursday, just hours before the event was scheduled to start.

The contestants are currently in isolation in Puerto Rico, where the finale was scheduled to take place.

Among those infected is Manasa Varanasi, who was crowned Miss India World 2020, and will represent India at the international beauty pageant.

Miss India Organisation said on their official Instagram page, "We were in great disbelief that she might not be able to grace the world stage inspite of her immense hard work and dedication, however her safety is of utmost importance to us."

In a press release, the Miss World organisation said, “Miss World 2021 temporarily postpones global broadcast finale in Puerto Rico due to health and safety interest of contestants, staff, crew and general public.

After a meeting with virologists and medical experts hired to oversee the Miss World 2021 event, organizers decided to postpone the broadcast finale at Puerto Rico to be held within the next 90 days.