Gyms and training centres to gradually reopen

The health ministry and the Cyprus Sports Organisation (KOA) have come together to draft a plan aiming to gradually lift restrictions applied to sports in Cyprus.

Specifically, the plan was submitted to the relevant bi-ministerial technical committee for approval and is expected to be presented to the Council of Ministers on Wednesday for the final authorisation.

In the first phase of the plan, individual training involving a maximum number of five persons, including their trainer or coach (4+1), will be permitted in outdoors training facilities, including open air swimming pools.

In terms of gyms and other indoor training centres, they will be allowed to operate with a maximum number of five persons, including a trainer or coach (4+1), signifying that their reopening during phase one is aimed at professional and national team athletes, not the general public.

Furthermore, 50 per cent of all participating individuals will need to be subjected to mandatory Covid-19 tests on a weekly basis.

The mandatory testing requirement does not include children under the age of 12.

The current requirement of sending an SMS text (number 6) to gain permission to exercise or train will remain in place.

Moreover, for any underage children, a relevant document signifying that the child is being transported to a training facility will need to be filled in and signed.

The KOA and all subsidiary sports associations will be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the above requirements.

Finally, regarding the resumption of other professional sports, including second and third division championships, a final decision will be made in the coming days.