The 70th edition of Miss Universe, i.e., Miss Universe 2021, is scheduled to be held in Eilat, Israel in December, where delegates from all over the world will participate and compete for the coveted crown. The reigning Miss Universe Andrea Meza of Mexico will crown her successor at the end of the event finale.

Miss Universe Laos’ organization, just a few hours ago, released an official statement that Laos will not send their representative to Miss Universe 2021. The statement released on Miss Universe Laos’ official social media account cited the COVID-19, Delta virus pandemic as its main reason, saying the global health crisis resulted in limitations on international flights and difficulties in securing visas. Organizers added that they were not able to hold the national Miss Universe Laos pageant because of the situation.

You can read the official statement of the organization here.

Last week, Miss Universe Malaysia also released an official statement mentioning that the 2021 edition of Miss Universe Malaysia will not be held this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The organization stated that limited international and domestic travel has hindered the staging of the pageant.

Miss Universe Laos 2020 Christina Lasasimma represented Laos at Miss Universe 2020 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, United States, where she performed exceptionally well but unfortunately couldn’t win.