Major League Baseball has announced that they'll delay the start of the 2020 season by at least two weeks and spring training games are cancelled as of 4 p.m. today in an effort to prevent further spread of COVID-19. 

MLB released a statement around 3 p.m. today announcing the news and saying they'll continue to evaluate ongoing events and effects on the 2020 season. 

Statement from Major League Baseball: pic.twitter.com/0bWS5VTRPu

— MLB (@MLB) March 12, 2020

"Following a call with the 30 Cubs, and after consultation with the Major League Baseball Players Association, Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr.  today announced that MLB has decided to suspend spring training games and delay the start of the 2020 regular season by at least two weeks due to the national emergency created by the coronavirus pandemic," the statement reads. 

"This action is being taken in the interests of safety and well-being of our players, Clubs and our millions of loyal fans."

They also said the 2020 World Baseball Classic Qualifier games in Tucson, Arizona have been postponed indefinitely.

The Toronto Blue Jays also released a statement of their own saying they fully support MLB's decision.

Statement from the Toronto Blue Jays: pic.twitter.com/dn3YnNpcbS

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) March 12, 2020

"For the health and safety of of Blue Jays fans, staff and players, the club is in full support of Major League Baseball's decision to postpone the remainder of the Grapefruit League Play in Florida and delay the start of the regular 2020 season," the statement says. 

"We will communicate additional information, including our ticket policy for impacted games, as details become available."  

This news comes as several other major sports leagues, including the NBA, NHL and MLS, have all suspended their seasons amid the COVID-19 pandemic.