Aguerre issued the statement as an increasing number of countries advise their residents to stay inside. 

"To my fellow sisters and brothers in surfing, I have something to tell you: We love the ocean and riding its waves, but it’s time to stay at home," he said.

"Like so many of us around the world, we’ve received instructions to not go out and to stay at home - at home, just as other athletes have been asked to do. 

"The waves will always be there. 

"Soon enough we will all be able to return to the place that we love so much. 

"Now is the time to defeat this enemy that has invaded us." 

Aguerre also gave advice to athletes who were no longer able to compete or train.

"Take advantage of these times," he said.

"Be with your family, listen to music, sing, dance, read and cook. 

"Thus, while humanity heals, the planet also heals from the many wounds that we have caused. 

"Let’s take care of ourselves and take care of others. 

"While each of us is at home and separated from each other, we are all in this fight together. 

"We will prevail."

Preparations are currently continuing for the ISA World Surfing Games, set to take place in El Salvador from May 9 to 17.

This is despite a nationwide quarantine in the country, with organisers set to reassess the situation on March 31. 

Surfing is also due to make its Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020, although the coronavirus pandemic has raised doubt over whether the Games will take place this summer. 

The International Olympic Committee currently claims there is no need for "any drastic decisions at this stage."

There have been more than 250,000 COVID-19 cases worldwide, with more than 10,200 deaths.