Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe signaled that he is considering postponing the 2020 Olympic Games scheduled to be held in the country over the summer.

The prime minister said in Parliament on Monday that the world isn't in the right position to hold the games, The New York Times reported .

"If asked whether the Games can be held, I don't think the world is in such a situation," Abe said. "I want the Tokyo Games to be held in a complete form where all the countries can attend. If we cannot hold it in a complete way, I think I have no choice but to have to decide to postpone it, giving top priority on athletes."

The Games were scheduled to begin in Tokyo on July 24.

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Abe's statement came hours after Canada and Australia threatened to boycott the Games because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Paralympic Committee said in a statement Sunday that "nothing is more important than the health and safety of our athletes and the world community."

"This is not solely about athlete health – it is about public health," the statement said. "With COVID-19 and the associated risks, it is not safe for our athletes, and the health and safety of their families and the broader Canadian community for athletes to continue training towards these Games."

The Australian Olympic Committee said in a statement Sunday that its athletes should prepare for the games to take place in summer 2021.

"The AOC believes our athletes now need to prioritize their own health and of those around them, and to be able to return to the families," the statement said. "The AOC held an Executive Board meeting via teleconference this morning and unanimously agreed that an Australian Team could not be assembled in the changing circumstances at home and abroad."

The International Olympic Committee also said on Sunday that it "will step up its scenario planning" for the Olympics, which includes modifying existing plans and postponing the start date. A decision will be made within four weeks.