Organisers hope the event, the first with direct quota implications for the sport at this year's Olympic and Paralympic Games to be affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, can be rescheduled in Monterrey in Mexico "when the situation improves".

The Oceania Championships in Fiji, scheduled for the first week of April, are among the other events covered by the suspension.

World Archery said the event, which also forms part of the qualification process for Tokyo 2020, would likely be cancelled because of the virus.

The European Para Championships have been suspended, along with the opening World Cup event of the season, which had been set for Guatemala City from April 20 to 26.

"It is clear that the COVID-19 outbreak is much more serious than first thought and our focus should be on overcoming this worldwide health crisis as quickly and completely as possible," said World Archery President Uğur Erdener.

"We’re proud of the archery community and how it is responding to this adversity. 

"So please stay safe, look after each other and let’s get back on track as soon as we can."

Dozens of events, including Olympic qualifiers and World Championships, have been postponed or cancelled because of the virus.

Athletes have been left in the lurch in some sports as to how they secure a place at the Games, which the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Tokyo 2020 have repeatedly insisted will go ahead as planned.

The IOC has also promised it will find fair and flexible solutions regarding qualification.

Growing international concern over the spread of COVID-19 has led to Governments imposing travel restrictions and banning events with a certain number of participants, adding to the fears for athletes hoping to qualify for Tokyo 2020.

According to latest figures, more than 6,700 people have died from the virus, while more than 175,000 have been infected worldwide.