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Two Miss Universe 2020 candidates test positive for COVID-19
Miss Universe candidates Alina Luz Akselrad of Argentina and Adline Castelina of India have tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The two revealed the unfortunate news on their respective Instagram accounts as the rest of the Miss Universe 2020 candidates prepared to fly to Florida, USA, for the prestigious pageant.
Miss Argentina shared how she thought she contracted the virus.
Alina said her parents were at risk and her sister was a medical staff member, “and for the love we have, we take care of ourselves very much!”
“Despite continuing to visit my social projects, celebrating the presentation of my book, it was always done with protocol measures for me and for respect to my loved ones,” she wrote.
Despite taking precautions, however, Alina said “it can happen to us and it happened to us!”
“Although we are very sad, it is not time to look for the guilty … but inevitably the head goes to the past to see where and when it may have been,” she said.
Alina said she and her mom went to the supermarket last week and in the box row behind them there was a person who coughed with their nose out.
“My mom asked if she could please respect the distance and put the mask on well and he got offended, and she started saying a lot of offensive words,” she wrote.
Alina said from that day they decided to “isolate ourselves for precaution and a few days we start with the symptoms.”
“My dear Argentines, I just ask God to take care of me and allow me to get out of this and with more strength than ever … I know that everything happens for a reason,” she added.
She encouraged her followers to “work as a team, it’s the only way we’ll manage to win this match against coronavirus!”
“The universe is waiting for us! Today I need them more than ever,” she added.
Meanwhile, Miss India announced that she had “developed mild [COVID-19]-like symptoms and unfortunately tested positive for the same.”
“I have quarantined myself and am taking the necessary precautions to get better,” she said.
Adline also urged those who came in contact with her the past week “to please get yourself tested.”
“I will fight my way through this, until then I request you all to wear your masks and follow government protocols. Stay safe,” she said.
In January, Miss Universe Malaysia Francisca Luhong revealed she had survived COVID-19.
“When I received the result, I realize gosh, I guess it was my fault, but I did everything, I wear mask, sanitize, wash my hands, but it happened. And the best way to solve it is to accept it and follow the SOP of what to do next,” she wrote.
“When I got my result, and it came out +VE I was shaking, I didn’t know what to do, I straight away called my mom and dad; I was so afraid to tell them because I know how worried they’ll be (they very much did and [I’m] sorry) but they manage to calm me down and ask me to follow the SOP and informed Elaine too,” she added.
Francisca said she was considered asymptomatic and advised to quarantine at home.
“It was scary to receive the result because I was all okay, everything was fine, no fever, slight back pain and a bit of flu but other than that all is good,” she wrote.
The Malaysian beauty queen said she tested negative after 10 days of quarantine.
“I’m good today, thank you for all the positive messages, warm support and prayers, I feel so much better, wasn’t a good way to start the year but every challenges will strengthen the mind, body and soul,” she said.
“Care for your love ones, stay home if you got nothing important to do outside unless [you] really need to do groceries. Wear mask, avoid handshakes, sanitize and wash your hands. Let’s #flattenthecurve together.”
The Miss Universe 2020 pageant will be held on May 16 (May 17 Philippine time).
Rabiya Mateo, who is now in the US, will be representing the Philippines in the pageant. – Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/RC, GMA News