TWO businesses in Newton-le-Willows have closed for two weeks to allow staff to self-isolate as a precaution in the fight against coronavirus.

The Star reported that the Kirkfield pub on Church Street, Newton-le-Willows, had closed on Saturday as a precaution after two customers had tested positive for Covid-19.

The pub has announced that it has undergone a deep clean and all staff have been tested.

The premises will remain closed until at least September 19 to allow staff to self-isolate as a precaution, its Facebook page has announced.

It has also been announced the Verona Kitchen & Bar on High Street, Newton will also be closed for this period too.

The businesses have made the decision together collectively, it was said.

The announcement on The Kirkfield Facebook page read: "Following the proactive and precautionary action to close, by The Kirkfield Hotel located on Church Street, Newton-le-Willows, Public Health England and St Helens Council have been working closely with the business to support their actions and next steps.

"The property reported directly to Public Health, evidence of customers who had tested positive with covid-19 who had visited their premises recently and took decisive action over the weekend to close the business and subsequently a full investigation between The Kirkfield Hotel, PHE and St Helens Borough Council has taken place.

The Kirkfield has undertaken testing of all employees and a full deep clean and sanitisation of all areas of the property and Track & Trace is following up on all close contacts.

Together, with the owners of Verona Bar & Kitchen both businesses, have made the collective decision to take precautionary action to close for a period of 14 days, re-opening after September 19 to allow all staff to self isolate as a further precaution and to further protect the local community and to stop the spread of the virus."

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It added: "This action supports the current situation in the UK and new restrictions announced that come into force next week which further strengthens the positive action taken to remain closed.

"Public Health advises that 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, reducing your contacts with other households where possible and keeping at least 2m distance from those not in your household.

"If you do or anyone in your household develops any of these symptoms, not matter how mild - a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss of taste or smell, make sure you stay home book a test via 119 or https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19."

"We would like to thank our customers and guests for their continued support and understanding and we look forward to seeing them safe and well when we re-open."