Curling – Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics Test Event – World Wheelchair Curling Championship – National Aquatics Center, Beijing, China – October 23, 2021 Staff members prepare the ice before the match REUTERS/Tingshu WangDue to growing concerns over the number of positive COVID-19 cases, the World Junior-B Curling Championships in Lohja, Finland have been cancelled.The men’s competition had already started their round-robin stage, while the women’s competition was due to start January 10.The World Curling Federation made the decision after talking with local health authorities from the city of Lohja and the local organizing committee.“It is with deep regret that we have been forced to cancel the World Junior-B Curling Championships 2022,” said World Curling Federation president Kate Caithness. “I know how disappointed this decision will be for our young athletes, but their safety together with those of our officials, staff and volunteers will always be our first concern.”The focus will now shift to the World Qualification Event 2022, set to take place in Lohja beginning January 17, to determine what safety protocols can be implemented so it can take place as scheduled.The World Curling Federation will also begin discussions on how to determine the field for the World Junior Curling Championship in March in Sweden.