NICOSIA — Despite stricter measures in place aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19, sports on Cyprus is playing on although the pandemic hasn't spared the games, athletic officials saying they will stick to health protocols for protection.

Cyprus Sports Organisation (CSO) President Andreas Michaelides told the Cyprus News Agency of the difficulties of trying to keep sports going with the Coronavirus affecting all society.

“All of us involved with sports have the responsibility to take all required measures with no compromises so that we can keep the virus at bay”, Michaelides said, before adding that “positive cases have been found in every sport.”

He said a task force is being formed by the group and  will inspect all of our sporting grounds and facilities on a daily basis to make sure that all guidelines are being followed,” to safeguard athletes, focused on soccer, the most popular sport.

He said there have been cases of COVID-19 found in sports. “There have been a few incidents which are being handled with attention and control. There are only a few cases because they are in individual sports, there’s not a lot of people involved,” he said too.

“We must acknowledge that we are indeed going through a very difficult period, a crucial period where measures have to be taken. If someone disagrees with some of these measures they have every right to do so, but I cannot believe that any Cypriot truly believes that measures must not be taken,” he also added.

“The virus has already made its way into football and this is worrying. Until now, however, the adherence of the protocols put in place has allowed the sport to overcome any issues and prevented the shutdown of the league. Those who are not following the protocols and do whatever they want are paying and will continue to be paying a heavy price. This goes for every sport.”