The decision to delay the BWF World Tour Super 300 event, which was due to take place in Auckland from April 28 to May 3, was taken by the BWF and Badminton New Zealand in "close consultation and consensus with relevant tournament partners".

"The health, safety and well-being of all athletes, their entourage, officials and the greater badminton community remains the top concern for all," a BWF statement reads.

"Extreme travel and quarantine restrictions in place globally has also contributed to the suspension.

"Badminton New Zealand said the decision is in keeping with advice from the New Zealand Government to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

"BWF accepts that all relevant health, safety and logistical risks have been considered by tournament organisers and Badminton New Zealand in reaching this decision."

More than 335,000 coronavirus cases have been reported worldwide since the outbreak began, with more than 14,500 deaths confirmed.

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced today that the country was at COVID-19 alert level three, rising to alert level four on Wednesday (March 25).

As reported by The New Zealand Herald, it comes as the number of confirmed cases in the nation rose to 102, with 36 new cases since yesterday.

Earlier this month, all BWF World Tour and BWF-sanctioned tournaments were suspended until April 12.

Events affected include the Swiss Open, India Open, Orléans Masters in France, Malaysia Open and Singapore Open, as well as a number of international grade-three tournaments.

A number of those impacted fall within the Tokyo 2020 qualifying period, with the BWF saying it will make a further announcement on regulations related to Olympic Games qualification points at a later date.