Miss Grand International is officially the first Grand Slam to take place during the Covid-19 pandemic
Miss Grand Philippines, Samantha Bernardo, was the first delegate to arrive in Thailand to compete for the 2020 Miss Grand International title.
The Covid-19 pandemic is far from being over in most countries. It means that we all must adapt to a “new normal”. In 2020, no Grand Slam pageant took place after the virus outbreak. However, this is about to change, as Miss Grand International organizers and the Thai government have joined forces and put a lot of effort to make its 2020 edition happen in March of 2021, in Bangkok, Thailand. Miss Grand International has made history as the first Grand Slam international pageant to take place during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Candidates from 63 countries and territories have been crossing the skies of the Earth with the exciting Thai capital city as their destination. It hasn´t been easy. To make sure everyone is covid-free, a series of documents, exams, and government permits were necessary in order for the candidates to travel. And more challenges lie ahead: they will be on quarantine for 14 days, at the comfortable Golden Tulip Sovereign, before this year´s pageant really kick-off.
Some of the delegates, like the Philippines, Samantha Bernardo, Myanmar, Han Lay, Sri Lanka, Pratibha Sambodhi, Puerto Rico, Fabiola Valentin, Brazil, Lala Guedes, are already in the hotel, with nothing to complain about:
“I was able to rest and get some great breakfast on my first day of the quarantine, everything is perfect”, said Samantha Bernardo, Miss Grand Philippines.
Han Lay, from Myanmar, a country suffering from recent political turmoil and an uncertain future, stated that she was happy with the warm welcome she received from the Thai people. Lala Guedes, Miss Grand Brazil, was impressed with how organized everything is, from the moment she set foot on Thai soil.
Most other delegates are expected to arrive tomorrow, February 28th.
The security procedure
When each delegate arrives at Suvarnabhumi Airport, a person designated by MGI is waiting to assist her in filling out immigration papers. Her passport, documents, Covid-free exam, hotel reservation, and letters, are checked extensively until she is ready to get their luggage. When going outside, she is expected by the MGI media team, including their “Breaking News” reporter and photographer. Then the contestant is driven to the Golden Tulip Sovereign, where she meets a nurse, answers more questions, gets some orientation on how the quarantine will work and is taken straight to her room.
Miss Grand Brazil´s arrival in Thailand: 1) Lala Guedes is assisted when filling out immigration forms; 2) After passing immigration, it was time for photos with the officers! 3) Meeting the MGI media team; 4) Being taken to the Golden Tulip Sovereign; 5) Being escorted to her room.
After 14 days, with all countries´ representatives being “safe and sound”, the actual competition will start.
Stay tuned for complete coverage and regular updates!
