The Miss Universe Philippines will soon crown the queen that will represent the country in the global pageant, but two candidates have already backed out after testing positive for COVID-19.
Sorsogon’s Maria Isabela Galeria and Cagayan de Oro’s Vincy Vacalares will not be pushing through with the pageant.
Galeria announced yesterday that she tested positive for COVID-19 in an Instagram post.
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She said, “I started to develop signs and symptoms on September 27, 2020, starting with nasal congestion and loss of sense of taste/smell. I occasionally felt like there was something heavy on my chest. Fortunately, it was bearable and didn’t progress to a more severe level of DOB (Difficulty of Breathing). I then started to manifest rashes accompanied by extreme itchiness and dry skin. I woke up last October 3 with red, itchy, and teary eyes. I was under a handful of medications for more than two weeks to manage my symptoms.”
Galeria added, “Following the 14-day quarantine, I was supposed to be released on October 8. As per protocol, I needed to be asymptomatic for three days before discharge. Unfortunately, I was still manifesting some symptoms.”
She and her father have been cleared of the virus on October 11, but she shared that she won’t be returning to the pageant. Garcia said, “I still feel tired, and I don’t think my body will allow me to participate in the activities of Miss Universe Philippines.”
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Meanwhile, Vacalares revealed that she tested positive on October 14.
She said, “This means that I will not be able to continue with my journey to the Miss Universe Philippines crown this year.”
The candidate said, “My team and I did all our best to strictly follow all the health and safety protocols, but still the virus hit me. To those I had in close contact with, please inform the City Health Officers so they can also check on your state. I pray that you are safe from the virus.”
She added, “I am currently confined in a hospital here in Manila and rest assured, I am in good hands.”
The Miss Universe Philippines 2020 finals will be aired on October 25 on GMA.
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