The women were due to play in the elite division of their event in Norwegian capital Oslo, between February 19 and 22.

Irkutsk in Russia is hosting the men's event, where China were scheduled to play in Division B from March 1 to 6.

Organisers the Federation of International Bandy said schedule changes would be announced.

No extra teams are expected to be added.

The Chinese women were due to play in the lower Group B at their World Championship, where the highest they could have finished overall was fifth.

There are now only three teams left in the group – Japan, Estonia and Switzerland.

The men were one of 12 teams due to compete in Division B, where they had been placed in a group with Netherlands, Hungary, Czech Republic, Ukraine and Mongolia.

More than 20,000 people have now been infected with coronavirus, which originated in Chinese city Wuhan.

The World Health Organization has declared a global emergency with cases confirmed in 27 countries and territories.

A large number of sporting events in China have been cancelled or rescheduled.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe has moved to allay fears that the virus could put the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics at risk.

Twenty cases have been reported in Japan so far.