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Miss Universe 2020: 2019 winner Zozibini Tunzi warns ‘no hugs, no selfies, no crowd’ at pageant due to Covid

'We are also excited for this production, but we can’t do it safely without everyone’s cooperation,' the 2019 crown-holder said

The Miss Universe contest is returning after a long gap due to the coronavirus pandemic. The last beauty contest happened in 2019 when Zozibini Tunzi from South Africa was crowned, and now this year, she will be passing her title to the next winner. The 69th Miss Universe Competition is happening at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood in Florida on May 16; more than 70 beauties from all over the world are participating. However, this year's pageant will be held with new rules and restrictions given the pandemic.

Recently, a video was shared on the Miss Universe Instagram page, where Tunzi talked about the new regulations. The 27-year-old started, “Hi everyone, I am so excited to see who will be taking my crown during the 69th Miss Universe Competition airing May 16 on FYI in Telemundo. However, if you are going to join us onsite at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood in Florida, we asked you to please keep us safe by abiding by these following guidelines.”

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She added: “Be sure to stay home if you feel safe. Please adhere to all government regulations when it comes to travel into the competition whether it is domestic or international. Please wear a mask at all times when you are at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. Wash your hands and stay two meters or six feet away from others whenever possible. We love our fans but to keep everyone safe, our contestants see you during our filming period. Sadly, that means no hugs, no impromptu interviews, no selfies, and no crowds. We are also excited for this production, but we can’t do it safely without everyone’s cooperation. For the health of yourself and others, please follow these guidelines to ensure the success of the 69th Miss Universe Competition. Thank you!”

Paula M Shugart, president of the Miss Universe Organization, earlier shared her excitement for the contest, which is going to be unique in several ways. She stated, “We have spent months planning and preparing safety precautions to develop this edition of MISS UNIVERSE—one that will be memorable, special and totally innovative. I look forward to seeing this work come to fruition and crowning a new Miss Universe.”

Keith Sheldon, president of entertainment for Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming, said, “We are thrilled to partner with The Miss Universe Organization in putting on an innovative event under unique circumstances that will lean heavily on our industry-leading Safe+Sound protocols to prioritize the well-being of all event participants. While safety will be at the forefront, we also look forward to showcasing the Hard Rock brand and all that our flagship Guitar Hotel property has to offer to audiences around the globe.”

Meanwhile, people on Twitter also seemed very thrilled about the May 16 event as one user wrote, “Nooo way, I'm so excited. So anxious to see who'll be the next crowned!” Another one said, “WE ARE SO READYYYYYY!!!!” “So much fun. another edition and i know safety protocols will be implemented.  Memory lane : A pic I took of MU2015:),” a person added.