Coronavirus: sports restrictions to be gradually eased from next week

The cabinet on Wednesday decided to gradually ease restrictions on sports activities and events from next week.

According to a statement, from Monday, February 8, individual training will be allowed in all sports in open facilities, parks, and beaches, with a maximum allowed number of five people of any age, including the coach.

Physical contact is prohibited, and the activity is only permitted for the purpose of exercise and physical conditioning.

Training is allowed in all outdoor sports facilities with a maximum number of five people including the trainer, except in football pitches where training of up to three different groups is permitted with a maximum number of five people per squad.

It is emphasised that the members of each team should be the same.

Following consultations with the football association, second division teams can restart training from February 8 and fixtures will be allowed from February 13 without spectators.

In the rest of the lower divisions, players can start training from Monday in groups of five, including the coach, without physical contact.

Three separate groups of five will be allowed to train at the same time in football pitches.

All staff and athletes over 12 years of age must undergo a Covid test by February 8. From then on, 50 per cent of staff and athletes over 12 must undergo screening on a weekly basis.

Individuals, independent of age, can train in the areas listed above by sending a text message to 8998. Minors who do not own a phone must have written permission from their guardian.

Trainers and coaches must have a form filled by their employer.

The CFA is responsible for the implementation of the measures and compliance with the health and safety protocols as regards football activities. The rest will be supervised by the sports organisation in cooperation with the individual federations.

The health ministry will carry out random checks.