The 70th Miss Universe competition will continue as planned in Israel on Dec. 12 (Dec. 13 Manila time).
This was revealed in an email that was reportedly sent to the candidates of the prestigious competition.
But the AFP reported on Sunday, Nov. 28, that Israel will close its borders to all foreigners in a bid to stem the spread of the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus, authorities said.
"The entry of foreign nationals into Israel is banned except for cases approved by a special committee," the prime minister's office said in a statement, adding that the measure would take effect on Sunday evening.
An email sent to the delegates of the 2021 Miss Universe Competition encouraged them to continue their travel to Israel.
Many candidates were surprised by the announcement from the Israeli government that declared a ban on the entry of all foreigners due to the Omicron, a variant of COVID-19. Some candidates have arrived in Israel, while others are still flying to the Middle East country.
Miss Philippines Beatrice Luigi Gomez left the Philippines on Nov. 27 to compete in Israel.
The full email:
PTV newscaster Joee Guilas said Beatrice and her team had just made a stopover in Istanbul, Turkey and were about to take off for Tel Aviv in Israel.
Miss Universe Philippines Organization Communications Director Voltaire Tayag told Joee that they will stay in Tel Aviv until Dec. 5.
"We'll be in Tel Aviv until Dec. 5, pero overnight sa hotel for quarantine, until the arrival of RT-PRC test results come out," Voltaire told Joee.