The Cyprus Sports Organization has published the protocol that will govern the operation of gyms and other sports activities.
Specifically, regarding the new Decree of the Minister of Health dated 31/03/2021 (KDP 142/2021) regarding the relaxation measures related to sports, the Cyprus Sports Organization, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health clarifies the following which apply throughout Cyprus from April 1, 2021.
Measures related to individual training:
Regarding the sport / training that is carried out in closed sports facilities (gyms, dance schools, gymnastics, martial arts and all other sports), it is clarified that this is allowed considering that in the facilities up to 80 sq.m. do not exceed three persons including the coach / coach, in the facilities of 81 sq.m. up to 200 sq.m. do not exceed six people, including the coach / coach, in the facilities of 201 sq.m. up to 500 sq.m. do not exceed ten people, including the trainer / coach and in facilities over 500 sq.m. do not exceed 15 people, including the trainer / coach.
The above restrictions also apply in the case that the training rooms are part of larger sports facilities (eg weight room, pilates room, martial arts room, etc.). That is, these restrictions apply to each room separately. It is reminded that the use of locker rooms and similar infrastructure (showers, common area, benches) is prohibited. It is reminded that the above numbers refer only to individual training and not to group contact programs.
For outdoor and indoor competitive swimming pools 50m or 25m long and since there are competition routes in them, the simultaneous presence of two (2) people per route and up to two (2) coaches per swimming pool is allowed. In case there are no races in the swimming pool (eg water polo training), as well as in smaller tanks, individual training of six (6) people (including the coach) per swimming pool and keeping distances is allowed.
For Classic Sports, the individual training of athletes not exceeding six (6) persons per team, including the coach, is allowed in outdoor track and field facilities, provided that the total number of persons per sports facility does not exceed thirty-six (36) faces.
In large soccer fields, individual training of athletes not exceeding six (6) persons per team, including the coach, is permitted, provided that the total number of persons per sports facility does not exceed eighteen (18) persons.
In the Archery and Shooting courts, individual training of athletes without contact is allowed, provided that they do not exceed eight (8) people, including the coach, per sports facility.
In the smaller outdoor sports facilities (Futsal / Basketball Courts etc), individual training of athletes without contact is allowed, provided that they do not exceed seven (7) people, including the coach.
In tennis courts, individual training of athletes without contact is allowed, provided that they do not exceed five (5) people, including the coach.
It is emphasized that both in indoor and outdoor training, the use of a protective mask by coaches / trainers is mandatory. It is understood that the non-use of a mask by the coaches / trainers is allowed in case they train / exercise together with the athletes.
In addition, a test (PCR / rapid antigen detection test) and a weekly screening test are required for 100% of team and individual athletes and coaches aged 18 and over. It is noted that performing a rapid antigen detection test on a weekly basis is strongly recommended for all athletes aged 12-18.
Games:
From April 1, 2021, it is allowed to hold sports events (Games) of individual sports without contact (eg Athletics, Swimming, Shooting) outdoors with specific protocols. The protocols, which should be prepared by the competent Federation and which should be approved by the Health Services of the Ministry of Health, should include, among others:
• Perform a rapid antigen detection test on the day of the games, with an on-site workshop
• Definition by the respective Federation of the sport of Safety Officer of the match that will take care of:
1. To comply with the measures during the race, such as lists of laboratory tests.
2. The organization of the test in order to avoid the overcrowding of athletes and other participants in the field (eg referees). Practically, before the start of the races, the control must be completed 100%.
3. Prohibition of locker room use
4. Prohibition of stay in the area of persons other than athletes / coaches (eg parents) and avoid synchronization in the areas around the facility.
5. Avoid common breaks and feeding before and after the games.
6. Mandatory use of a mask by coaches / judges / supervisors etc. as well as by athletes when they are not exercising (they should use their mask while waiting)
7. Prohibition of the presence of spectators in matches
8. Avoid overcrowding during breaks and hours when athletes do not participate in the race by using a mask and keeping the necessary distances
9. For bus travel (reduction of the number to 50% of the vehicle capacity, mandatory correct use of mask, prohibition of movement / change of positions, maintaining a vacancy between athletes, open windows, absence of symptoms of the disease COVID-19)
Maximum number of people allowed per facility to host Games:
The maximum number of athletes / coaches / referees / agents for conducting matches is determined as follows:
• Outdoor track and field facilities - 50 people
• Swimming pools - 2 people per route and up to two (2) coaches / judges / curators per swimming pool
• Archery sports facilities - 18 people
• Shooting ranges - 10 people per stadium
• Tennis Courts - 5 people per facility
The above list of facilities is not exhaustive. In cases where there is an intention to hold games in facilities not mentioned above, the maximum number of participants will be determined in cooperation with the Cyprus Sports Organization and the Ministry of Health, in proportion to the above numbers.
It is noted that these instructions are complementary and do not replace the obligations imposed by the Law on Disinfection and the relevant Decrees issued.