Contestants of Miss Mexico 2021 Reportedly Told 'Not to Complain' Despite Full-Blown COVID Symptoms

Nearly half of the Miss Mexico 2021 contestants came down with COVID-19, which did not stop the organizers from going ahead with the pageant, according to a new report.

Contestants of Miss Mexico 2021, infected with COVID-19, were told "not to complain" about the symptoms, Reforma newspaper reported, citing a source.

“Even though many [of the contestants] were coughing, had body aches and even a temperature, they asked them not to complain,” the source was quoted as saying.

According to the Chihuahua state health secretariat, COVID tests of 15 of 32 participants, as well as one staff member, returned positive.

Miss Mexico contestants pose with swimming suits during the Miss Mexico beauty pageant where some contestants tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) along with one staff member, in Chihuahua, Mexico June 30, 2021

© REUTERS / EL DIARIO

The contestants previously embarked on a charity trip to a school where they posed for selfies with students, the source added, noting that at least ten of the contestants already manifested the coronavirus symptoms.

The pageant took place on 1 July in the northern city of Chihuahua. It was held two days in advance, but the organizers never clarified why they moved the date.