By George Vichas[/B]
Several gyms across the Cyprus region are at a breaking point with the owners asking for state support in order to be able to meet their obligations which, in contrast to the large decrease in turnover due to the pandemic, are running normally with costs not only remaining but increasing.
Speaking to the Cyprus[/B] Times, Press Spokesperson of the Pancyprian Gymnastics Association Kristi Louca said that gyms continue to underperform without anyone knowing until when this will happen.
"We were the first to close on 13 March 2020 and remained closed for three months, we were the last to open and then we closed again for another three months," she noted.
As an indication, she said that in 2020 the gyms in total remained closed for 8 out of 12 months of the year, while in 2021 they were open but actually only worked for 2 months of the whole year, September and October. "Due to measures and protocol we under-operate all the other months," he stressed, adding that from November until today, they continue to under-operate.
The current months would normally be the most productive, while on the contrary from April onwards until the summer there has always been a decline. "Quite a few people don't come because they are afraid. The image has been created that in gyms one can get infected with the virus much more easily, and as soon as anything happens, the first thing one cancels is the gym."
As Ms. Louca noted, the epidemiological picture has played an important role recently, since due to the high prevalence in the community, many people are either outbreaks or contacts, and as a result they stay away from gyms. "People will stay away a little or find alternative ways of exercising until the epidemiological picture improves, but the costs are running and we cannot cover them."
In conclusion, Ms. Louca pointed out that for the past two years the gyms have had over a 40% reduction, with no support packages for either staff or rents which, unlike the falling revenues, these are going up. "We are asking for at least a support package for the staff so that there are no layoffs. A gym of 1000 square meters has 10 employees, the rent is 7-8 thousand euros per month and we are not at a level where expenses are covered."
Regarding the next steps of the Association, a meeting has already been held with the President of the COA Mr. Andreas Michaelides. "We raised problems and suggestions and he stressed that the Organization will be by our side and will try to assist with actions towards the competent ministries and epidemiologists."
In conclusion, as Ms. Louka, a relevant letter has been sent to the Ministry of Finance and contact is expected with the Ministry of Labour.
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs Cyprus Times
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or Cyprus Times
Source
