All-around world champion Nikita Nagornyy said on Instagram that the Russian team would not compete at the American Cup, part of the International Gymnastics Federation All-Around World Cup circuit, in Milwaukee on Saturday (March 7).

Nagornyy had been scheduled to take part at the event alongside Lilia Akhaimova, a silver medallist in the team event at last year's World Championships.

According to comments translated by Gymnovosti.com, Russian head coach Andrei Rodionenko said the team had also pulled out of the All-Around World Cup in Tokyo - also a test event for this year's Olympic Games - on April 4 and 5.

The withdrawals could have an impact on Russia's attempt to qualify athletes on individual apparatus for Tokyo 2020, but Rodionenko said the protection and safety of competitors was paramount.

"Imagine, if someone will sneeze on the plane, we will be left [in quarantine] for two weeks," he said, according to Gymnovosti.com.

"Russia is doing the right thing, protecting its citizens, and we must protect our gymnasts."

The number of deaths from the virus, officially known as COVID-19, has passed the 3,000 mark, while there are thought to be nearly 90,000 cases.

Dozens of events, including World Championships and Olympic qualifiers, have either been cancelled, postponed or relocated as a result of the outbreak.

Countries have also imposed travel restrictions due to the virus, which has prevented athletes competing at events across the world.

Other athletes have taken precautionary measures to ensure they do not contract the virus.