Organisers announced the decision following the latest Scottish Government advice regarding the hosting of major sports events during the pandemic.

The Championship was scheduled to take place at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow from 28 March to 5 April, but now follows in the footsteps of the women's World Championship, due to start in Prince George, Canada, today, but which was also cancelled because of COVID-19.

"Given the UK Government’s move from the ‘contain’ to the ‘delay’ phase of their coronavirus action plan and the latest advice from the Scottish Government with respect to the hosting of major sports events at this time, it is with great regret that the local organising committee, in conjunction with the World Curling Federation, has agreed to cancel this event in the interest of public health," said Billy Garrett, director of sport and events at Glasgow Life.

“We are extremely disappointed for the athletes, who we know have been training hard and were looking forward to competing in their pinnacle event of the year here in Glasgow, and for the staff and volunteers who have been working tirelessly over the last year to deliver an outstanding Championship.

“We also know from the strong ticket sales for the event that its cancellation will be a huge disappointment to curling fans from home and abroad. However, we believe that in the current unprecedented situation this is the only responsible course of action to take.”

As the Championships have now been cancelled, the World Curling Federation (WCF) say they will consider the implications on Olympic qualification and discuss potential changes with all relevant stakeholders.

The WCF announced today that the World Mixed Doubles and World Senior Curling Championships, due to take place from April 18 to 25 at Kelowna Curling Club in Canada have been cancelled, also because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The decision comes following a recommendation from British Columbia’s Provincial Health Officer Dr Bonnie Henry and discussions with public health officials and event organisers, along with various national travel restrictions that have come into place around the world in the past 48 hours.

Implications on mixed doubles Olympic qualification will now be considered by the World Curling Federation following the cancellation of these Championships.

"It is with great regret and disappointment that it has not been possible to run all of our flagship World Curling Championships in 2020," said World Curling Federation President Kate Caithness. 

"It is vitally important to remember that we are not alone in doing so, with fellow sporting bodies around the globe also having to make these difficult decisions. 

"Ultimately our first priority is always the health and well-being of our athletes, officials, fans and staff.”