USE OF MASKS UNCLEAR AND FINES UNFAIR, SAY RESTAURANTS AND BARS

 Cyprus Mail 26 October 2020 - by Jonathan Shkurko

The most recent measures taken by the government concerning the use of face masks need to be properly explained to everyone before being enforced by the authorities, General Secretary of the Pancyprian Association of Owners of Recreation Centres (Pasika) Fanos Leventis said on Monday.

Wearing a mask, even outdoors, is now compulsory. Masks are also mandatory in all indoor areas where two or more people are present, including workplaces. However, weddings are still allowed to have 350 people at a dinner.

Leventis claims there are cases of people working in bars and restaurants all over Cyprus who are being unfairly booked by the police for not using masks.

“The most recent health protocol is very unclear on the issue of masks,” he told Cyprus Mail on Monday.

“People working in bars and restaurants are owed a proper explanation. There have been cases of people fined before the decree was even announced. Those fines are neither fair nor legal.”

Leventis also added that the rules on standing at a bar at a restaurant are murky.

“The decree does not forbid people to stand in restaurants and bars. However, we have received reports of establishments booked as not all customers were seated.

“If people are allowed to stand and dance at weddings without wearing a mask, then I am wondering why they not allowed to do the same in bars and restaurants, especially considering the unclarity of the decree,” he said.

Moreover, Leventis said the future of many establishments is getting increasingly worrying.

“I’m not optimistic, I have no reason to be. Some establishments have not made a profit since October 2019, as they relied heavily on the summer season, which was completely lost.

“The new decree issued last Thursday is a further blow for many businesses in Cyprus, many of which I’m afraid will not be able to survive if the situation does not change,” Leventis concluded.