17 members of the Miss World pageant have tested positive for COVID-19

17 cases of coronavirus have been detected among candidates and technical personnel of Miss World a day ahead of the finals night.

According to a newspaper report by Primera Hora de Puerto Rico, the island's health department confirmed that the number of cases went up to 17 from the initial seven "isolated" cases that were reported.

"In the case of Miss World there are 17 positives ... yesterday there was talk of seven, but that number went up," said the agency's press spokesperson, Lisdián Acevedo. He also pointed out that all those infected are vaccinated.

In the island of Puerto Rico, those who test positive have to be isolated for 10 days. According to Acevedo, the ladies are recommended to do the same.

Meanwhile, Miss World President Julia Morley said in a written statement that the candidates who are affected may not be permitted to be on stage if they fail to present a negative COVID-19 test. However, this doesn't mean that they're disqualified from the pageant.

“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,” Morley noted.

"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 said.

The coronation night of the 70th edition of Miss World will be this Friday, Dec. 17, at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan.