Canada isn't taking any chances by sending athletes to the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympics unless it's postponed, it was announced yesterday.

The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) issued a statement saying that they will not be sending athletes to the games, set to begin July 24, unless they are postponed amid concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic.

BREAKING: The Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Paralympic Committee will refuse to send athletes to the Tokyo Olympics if the event is not postponed.The 2020 Games are currently set to begin on July 24. News release: pic.twitter.com/NT8twsqAXI

— CBC News Alerts (@CBCAlerts) March 23, 2020

The committees called on Olympic leaders and world health officials to postpone the games at least one year.

More than a performance, a record, or a medal.

It’s about being part of something bigger. #TeamCanada pic.twitter.com/93vvTRzDfE

— Team Canada (@TeamCanada) March 23, 2020

The move makes Canada the first to decline sending its athletes to this year's summer games, with many applauding the leadership exhibited by the country.

Bravo! More countries need to follow Canada’s lead.

— Greg_Hall (@gregory_hall1) March 23, 2020

Five-time Olympian Hayley Wickenheiser of the National Women’s Ice Hockey Team team tweeted her approval of the decision.

Leading the world. Very proud of 🇨🇦 this evening. #dotherightthing https://t.co/tdqGPAzon3

— Hayley Wickenheiser (@wick_22) March 23, 2020

"This is not solely about athlete health," the COC/CPC statement reads. "It's about public health."

Congratulations on showing leadership in these difficult times, and protecting not only athletes but the community as a whole. Hopefully #Tokyo2021 can happen and we can support our athletes then

— Mark Koskie (@ozmjk04) March 23, 2020

"We are in the midst of a global health crisis that is far more significant than sport."

Canada is the first country to warn that it won't send its athletes to the Tokyo Olympics; wins automatic gold in BEING RIGHT.

— 22Minutes (@22_Minutes) March 23, 2020

The International Olympic Committee who oversees the games says it's considering the matter but won't reach a decision on whether it will move the games for at least four weeks.