Athletes from certain countries seriously impacted by COVID-19, as the World Health Organization has named the virus, are effectively banned from competing as well because they would have to go through a 14-day quarantine period before being allowed entry into the country.

The artistic gymnastics individual apparatus event is set to start on March 18 - less than 14 days away - and run until March 21.

Anyone arriving in the country from China, Egypt, Iran, South Korea or Italy - regardless of their nationality - will have to observe the quarantine period.

"The fast-changing situation related to the COVID-19 outbreak is a challenge for the International Gymnastics Federation as well as all sports governing bodies", said an FIG statement. 

"The FIG is continuously monitoring the evolution of the situation closely with the host federations of upcoming events."

The number of coronavirus cases worldwide has exceeded 100,000 and more than 3,400 people have died.

China, South Korea, Iran and Italy are the four countries with the most cases.

Being unable to take part in the Doha World Cup could harm athletes' attempts to qualify for Tokyo 2020, given performance in FIG World Cups is one way of earning an Olympic berth.

Earlier this week, Russian gymnasts pulled out of World Cups in the United States and Japan because of concerns over COVID-19.

The All-Around World Cup in Tokyo, which begins on April 4, is also a test event for the Olympic Games.

The first MotoGP race of the season was due to take place in Qatar on Sunday (March 8), but was cancelled because of travel restrictions placed on people arriving from Italy.