THE Gerard Arms pub will reopen its doors tomorrow (Saturday, August 8), it has been announced.

The popular Dentons Green pub voluntarily closed as a precaution after a member of staff had tested positive for coronavirus.

The Star reported earlier this week that the Gerard Arms on Dentons Green Lane had closed to allow a deep clean to take place and for other staff members to be tested.

A sign has been placed on the door reading; 'Closed for Covid cleaning'.

The pub will reopen tomorrow after it was deemed safe after a review of the evidence.

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A joint statement from St Helens Council and brewery Greene King said: “Greene King and St Helens Borough Council have been working together closely conducting risk assessments. We have reviewed the evidence together with advice from Public Health England and have concluded at this moment in time the risk to customers is felt to be minimal and is safe to reopen to the public.

“Test and trace teams will be contacting anyone who might have been at risk and we would remind people that if they are contacted by tracers that you must follow their instructions to reduce the risk of further transmission.

“If you missed the opportunity to add your details for test and trace at the pub you can retrospectively add them by contacting Greene King Guest Relations on 0344 800 6605 or email guestrelations@greeneking.co.uk."

It added: “Testing has been carried out on all affected staff who have also undergone additional screening prior to returning to work. Since pubs reopened from July 4, Greene King staff have been given specific COVID-19 training and are asked about symptoms and temperature checked before every shift.

“It is really important to remember to take the simple steps to reduce your risk of infection by washing your hands for 20 seconds, wearing a mask in enclosed places and keeping your distance. We all have a role to play in keeping our infection rates low. If you do develop any symptoms make sure to book a test and isolate for 10 days.

“Anyone isolating who needs support for things like shopping and medicine collections and do not have any friends and family able to help please contact St Helens Contact Cares on 01744 676767.”