The Miss World Organization announced on early Friday, December 17 Manila time that they’ve decided to postpone the pageant, hours before the event to be held in Puerto Rico due to the rising cases of COVID-19 among candidates and staff members.

“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 RicoColiseum Jose Miguel Agrelot to be held within the next 90 days,” the statement read.

“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.”

All of the candidates and staff have undergone tests and once cleared will return to their respective countries.

Julia Morley, CEO of Miss World Ltd said that they are looking forward to seeing the girls again once everything is under control.

“We are very much looking forward to the return of our contestants, (who we have grown to know and love), to compete for the Miss World crown.”

With the postponement, Miss World 2019 Toni-Ann Singh’s reign will be extended until the announcement of the finals.

The national director of Indonesia and candidate from Malaysia have earlier confirmed that their representatives are currently in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19.

This is the second time the pageant has been postponed. The 70th edition of the pageant was moved to this year from 2020 as the world battled COVID-19.