Paphos Life

Also permitted is the operation of outdoor swimming pools, with a physical presence of a maximum of 10 people, again in line with provisions of the decree.

https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/outdoor ... t-allowed/
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*A maximum of 10 people can gather outdoors for exercise as of today, including at swimming pools, but team games are not allowed.

https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/covid-1 ... cyprus-38/

Cyprus Communal Guide
1 hr ·

Unfortunately, since the news articles and official press release regarding the use of open swimming pools this morning, there have been some questions raised whether this applies only to registered Sports Facilities or not.

I have received mixed messages from various officials and heard that municipalities and police officers are still advising to keep pools closed.

This does appear to contradict the press offices statement so we are currently trying to get a 100% confirmation on this.

Until it is 100% confirmed that the term 'open swimming pools' does include communal pools, I would advise everyone to keep their communal pools closed.

I apologise for any confusion and know this is frustrating but I think it's important to make sure that the official requirements are followed for everyone's safety.

I am very careful to check official sources before publishing any details and only published this as the information published by the press information office does seem very clear but is now being contradicted by other officials.

I will keep you updated. Source: https://www.facebook.com/CyprusCommunalGuide/

Communual pools are, in fact, Public pools.

Alan

The whole business of communal pools being public is a nonsense. They aren't open to the public, but only to those with property inside the complex and who pay their communal charges.
Is this mainly propagated by Paphos Mayor, or is this an island wide law?

Dee

Cyprus Communal Guide
2 hrs ·
Ok so an update on whether communal swimming pools can now open following yesterday’s press release.

I have not heard back directly from the ministry of health, however I have had an answer from a press officer from the government press information office.

With this, (unless we get a different answer from the ministry) I would advise to keep your pools closed.

I know this is frustrating, but it’s important for public safety as well as committee liability to follow the official guidance.

We will of course keep asking these questions on your behalf and will update you as soon as we get confirmation that pools can open.

Stay Safe

Russell Flick
Founder of CyprusCommunalGuide.com and Author of the Ultimate Committee Handbook https://www.facebook.com/CyprusCommunalGuide/

According to the Press Officer, Angeliki Hadjithoma, who wrote to Mr Flick and Ms Taylor at Cyprus Communal Guide "public and communal pools are only allowed to be open/be used for sports activities at the moment. Not for any other use". Swimming is a sport so wouldn't it seem reasonable to allow communal pools to be opened for just that - swimming as an exercise, but not for socialising. The whole thing has not been well thought out at all and is subject to misinterpretation.

Dee

Communal pools are open to the public. Cyprus Law, sorry.

Alan

Author Cyprus Communal Guide
''.. the official response from the PIO is that with the exception of dedicated sports facilities pools are still closed.
We are waiting for a direct response from the ministry of health''.

This is a comment from another FB group posted by Janis Davies-Dorrington:
''Received from our management company today: "The recent announcement from the Ministry of Health and the guidelines from the Cyprus Sports Organisation regarding the opening of swimming pools, is only applicable for athletic purposes. The communal swimming pool of your complex is classified as a public pool and it is a pool which is used for leisure. By seeking further clarification from the Ministry of Health we have been informed that leisure pools, like yours, will remain closed until the Ministry of Health announces the re-opening of leisure pools and guidance on how these pools will be used once they reopen. We will keep you updated and inform you immediately once we have any news from the Ministry of Health".

Kili01 wrote: ↑Fri May 22, 2020 5:21 pm The whole business of communal pools being public is a nonsense. They aren't open to the public, but only to those with property inside the complex and who pay their communal charges.
Is this mainly propagated by Paphos Mayor, or is this an island wide law?

Dee

If people are renting their properties out to the public, then they are indeed, open to the public.

Fortunately all the apartments in our complex are are either owned or have long-term tenants and only the residents and their visitors can use the communal facilities. However, many complexes also have apartments that are used purely for short term/holiday lets. Some complexes provide communal furniture whereas at others it is up to each apartment to provide it. So, already a few different scenarios regarding the various health and safety issues.

Anybody can use a complex communal pool, even if they have nothing to do with anybody at the complex, its frustrating for the people who pay for it, but true

Communal pools come under the law that governs public pools as there is no separate law at present. That does not mean that they ARE public pools. So to say anyone can use them is incorrect - it is solely for the use of the people that own it and pay for its upkeep. The public pool law just means that it has to conform to elements such as having a lifeguard and having strict safety rules in place. The sooner they make these very necessary and relevant changes to the law the better.

Jeanne

March 2019

Authorities recognise only two types of pools. Private pools are those at a house that exclusively serves the needs of the family living there and their guests. Public pools are all other types, including shared pools catering for complexes......... But under EU standards, complexes that share a swimming pool for the use by the property owners, their guests and families are classed as a Type 3 swimming pool. This means it is covered by different standards to that of a public swimming pool.

A petition calling for a fair and reasonable review of the swimming pool regulations for apartment complexes and resorts was set up last August. It has so far garnered over 4,400 signatures but needs another 4,000 to ensure that the government will investigate the matter. (Link in article to petition).

Read more at: https://www.news.cyprus-property-buyers ... d=00155463

Regarding swimming pools on Complexes. Cyprus current interpretation of this law Is ridiculous. The law as it stands is an ASS. Why on earth can't the House of Representatives vote to amend this law! Especially as people who own properties on a complex must pay their dues. Part of those surely must go on-pool maintenance?\

Dee

Lofos-Jan

Sorry, you are wrong. Complex pools are public pools.

Alan

Yes, Emgee, technically Lofos Jan isn't correct. But in practice many pools on complexes have notices up saying they are private and only for the use of people on the complex. These pools have been operating safely for years, without lifeguards, but with 'swim at your own risk as no lifeguard is present'' notices. Safety equipment is on hand. If the justice system operated properly here and the courts weren't bogged down with cases, it would be logical for the unworkable law to be challenged. Authorities need to recognise more than 2 types of pools.
The present situation Is most frustrating.
Dee

Dee

Anyone can put up a sign saying anything, problem is of course that if it is not the Law in the Republic of Cyprus then it is un-enforceable. No-one is above the Law......………………..

Our pool has been operating successfully for years too and has all the equipment required but it is still a public pool.

Regards

Alan

emgee wrote: ↑Sun May 24, 2020 11:03 am Dee
Anyone can put up a sign saying anything, problem is of course that if it is not the Law in the Republic of Cyprus then it is un-enforceable. No-one is above the Law......………………..
Our pool has been operating successfully for years too and has all the equipment required but it is still a public pool.
Regards
Alan

But do you have a lifeguard in attendance?

Varky

Of course not.

Alan

Cyprus Communal Guide (https://www.facebook.com/CyprusCommunalGuide/)
An important update regarding swimming in communal pools.

In addition to the previously published letter from the Press Information Office I have now received written instructions from the Chief Health Inspector from the ministry of Health.

Attached is the letter received which categorically states that communal pools must remain closed.

Once again I know this is frustrating news for many, but it is important to follow the official guidance not only for the safety of your residents but for their and the committees liability.

I have heard many responses where local police stations or municipalities have given the Ok to use a communal pool but I have also had many reports of people being fined over the weekend.

This is most likely a result of confusion between government department following the less than clear original press release. But my advice remains to keep all communal pools closed until official WRITTEN advice is published by the health ministry stating they can be opened.

I have also published tips and advice on general protection measures for your buildings and resorts on my website and Facebook page.

I will keep updating you as information becomes available and as always stay safe!