Regional qualifying events were previously supposed to be completed by the end of July, but this deadline has been moved back to the end of October 2020.

The INF say this will allow qualification tournaments in Africa, due to take place in May, Oceania, due to take place in June and the Americas, due to take place in July to be postponed.

The INF say they are prepared to extend the qualification deadline further if the need arises.

In a wide ranging letter to INF members and regions, INF President Liz Nicholl CBE said: "As a netball family, we should all draw on our commitment to being a socially responsible sports movement and, where we can, we should extend our hands of friendship into our local communities to help others during this crisis.

"Through our words and actions, netballers can continue to have a positive impact on people and communities around the world."

Following an INF Board meeting, held by video conference, the INF advised all its associations to follow the guidance of their country's own Government, describing this as "the top priority."

The INF also advised associations that had not already done so to cancel or postpone any events in the near future because of the coronavirus pandemic.