With less than 24 hours away from the coronation ceremony of the 70th Miss World pageant another delegate has tested positive for the Covid-19 virus. The Miss World Malaysia organization has released an officially statement revealing the same as they wrote, “It is with a heavy heart that we announce this. However, do continue to support Dr. Lavanya Sivaji as she still has a chance in the Miss World 2021 Grand Finals.”
The statement issued by them read, “Representing the Miss World organization, I write to inform that Miss World Malaysia 2-021 Dr. Lavanya Sivaji, our esteemed representative for Malaysia this year, has produced a positive molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result for Covid-19 and is currently isolated for recovery. The doctor has assessed her health condition and she is now clinically well.”
“However, according to the Miss World organization and national guidelines, should any contestant produce a positive molecular PCR test result for Covid-19, the contestant will be required to be isolated for 10 days and will not be permitted to be on stage for the final show,” they added.
Malaysia’s news came just a day after Indonesia’s Carla Yules’ positive reports were confirmed. Carla’s roommate Manasa Varanasi of India has also been isolated for the time being waiting for her test results. Carla and Lavanya Sivaji are amongst the few contestants who had positive results, among who delegates of Cote d’Ivoire and South Africa are also suspected to be isolated for the same.
Despite not being able to be on stage during the final show, the Miss World organization has given assurance that all affected contestants would still be included for judging and could still win the crown as Miss World 2021.The panel of judges would review their unique talents, past performances and pre-recorded video contents to derive their final decision.
Addressing the issue, Miss World chairman Julia Morley had also said, “We want to assure everyone that the Miss World Organization from day 1 has implemented a strict and aggressive protocol of taking samples from all candidates through molecular PCR tests. We are an experienced and responsible global organization that is very excited to celebrate our 70th anniversary in Puerto Rico and we remain dedicated to the health and safety of our participants and the people of Puerto Rico.”
She also affirmed that, “The Miss World Organization is following national guidelines. If they don't produce a negative molecular PCR test, they won't be on stage for the final show. Knowing the seriousness of this global situation that we all face, we took steps to capture the unique talent of each contestant so that, in case they couldn't join us last night, they could still win the crown as Miss World 2021. The panel of judges will review your prerecorded video content to make their final decision.”
Miss World 2021 will be the 70th edition of the Miss World pageant, scheduled to be held on 16th December, 2021 at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Miss World 2019 Toni-Ann Singh of Jamaica will crown her successor at the end of the event.