This was announced on day four of the Championships during the men's round robin stage.

There were just two more sessions before the knockout stages in the men's tournament, with four matches being played this morning shortly before the WCF called off the rest of the action.

Prior to the announcement, Italy, Czech Republic, Japan and South Korea had all sealed their spots in the quarter-finals.

The women's competition was scheduled to start on Monday (January 10), and end on January 14.

"It is with deep regret that we have been forced to cancel the World Junior-B Curling Championships 2022," said WCF President Kate Caithness.

"I know how disappointed this decision will be for our young athletes but their safety together with those of our officials, staff and volunteers will always be our first concern.

"Our grateful thanks are extended to the Organising Committee who have worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of everyone present in Lohja and for their understanding following the cancellation of both Championships. 

"Also our thanks to the local health authorities for their continuing support and advice."

It follows the withdrawal of the Hungarian men from the Championships after a positive case in the team led to all players and staff from the delegation to isolate in line with Finnish health authorities' recommendations.

Two more positive test results then came from Spain and Slovenia, as announced yesterday, which was awaiting confirmation from a polymerase chain reaction test.

The 2022 World Qualification Event, scheduled to take place on January 17, is still to go ahead, but WCF is looking to implement safer COVID-19 measures in place to ensure the tournament can take place in Lohja.