19 countries back out of 69th Miss Universe pageant due to COVID-19

Published April 24, 2021, 7:57 AM by Robert Requintina

Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi

Nineteen countries have backed out of the 69th Miss Universe competition due to COVID-19.

These countries are Angola, Bangladesh, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Georgia, Germany, Guam, Kenya, Lithuania, Mongolia, Namibia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Saint Lucia, Sierra Leone, Sweden, Tanzania, Turkey, and U.S. Virgin Islands.

Seventy-four candidates from around the world have confirmed their participation at the 69th Miss Universe competition which will be held in Hollywood, Florida on May 16 (May 17 in Manila). The countries are divided into three regions – Europe, the Americas, and Africa & Asia.

File photo 2019 Miss Universe Competition (Facebook)

The candidates are on their way to the US for the competition. But first, most of them will make a stopover in another country for a two-week mandatory quarantine before they fly to the US. The girls are expected to arrive in Florida on May 6-7.

The candidates will stay at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

Here’s the full schedule of activities for the 69th Miss Universe competition:

Seminole Hard Rock’s Safe + Sound protocols follows similar guidelines as enacted successfully during the 2020 MISS USA Competition, produced in Memphis, Tennessee in November.

These policies included mask usage, social distancing, quarantining upon arrival and rigorous testing, as well as a working group with others following the same restrictions, in coordination with health officials.

“We are thrilled to partner with The Miss Universe Organization in putting on an innovative event under unique circumstances that will lean heavily on our industry-leading Safe+Sound protocols to prioritize the well-being of all event participants,” said Keith Sheldon, President of Entertainment for Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming.

“While safety will be at the forefront, we also look forward to showcasing the Hard Rock brand and all that our flagship Guitar Hotel property has to offer to audiences around the globe.”

https://mb.com.ph/2021/04/24/19-countries-back-out-of-69th-miss-universe-pageant-due-to-covid-19/