Saying that reduced traffic is recorded at bars and nightclubs, the association of recreation centres (Osika) on Sunday called on the state to support the businesses that have been left open and reassess the new Covid measures.

Traffic has dropped to about 20 or 30 per cent at the various recreation centres in the government-controlled areas while businesses of the sector are struggling to survive during the coronavirus pandemic, the head of Osika Neophytos Thrasyvoulou told the Cyprus News Agency.

Between November 15 to 20, traffic was at 50 per cent, he said.

He added that about 20 per cent of the businesses did not reopen in the summer following the lockdowns and it is doubtful whether they will reopen in the next tourist season.

And the situation will deteriorate after the implementation of new measures next month that provide for everyone to be vaccinated with at least one dose of the anti-coronavirus jab to visit key sectors including recreation centres.

Thrasyvolou said the association proposed that unvaccinated people continue to be served in the outdoor sitting areas with a negative PCR or rapid test. This suggestion was communicated in a letter to the health minister, he said.

Among the measures, was the extension of the mask mandate and SafePass to children aged six and above starting November 29, which sparked a number of protests by parents groups. The SafePass for these children would need either a certificate of recovery from the virus in the past six months, or a negative test not older than seven days.

This decision will also affect traffic in businesses that families used to visit with their children, Thrasyvoulou explained, while expressed hope that more people will get vaccinated against the virus.