Organizers of the Miss Universe pageant said Monday that a contestant tested positive for COVID-19 after arriving in Israel, which is pressing ahead with plans to host the pageant despite closing its borders in the face of a newly detected variant.
They did not identify the contestant, and it was unclear if she had the omicron strain, which has raised alarm worldwide and was detected in a traveler returning to Israel last week.
The Miss Universe Organization said most of the 80 contestants have arrived in Israel and that the event will be held as planned on Dec.
12 in the southern city of Eilat with strict coronavirus protocols.The contestants will compete in national costumes, evening gowns and swimwear, and will answer a series of.