Bathurst Correctional Centre in lockdown after six staff test positive for COVID-19

The Bathurst facility has been placed in lockdown with no movements allowed in or out.

The Western Advocate has been in contact with NSW Corrective Services this afternoon for confirmation of the positive cases and is awaiting an official statement.

However, Bathurst MP Paul Toole has also reported the news on his Facebook page.

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"Six correctional staff from Bathurst Correctional Centre have returned positive results for COVID-19. These officers are now is isolation and my thoughts are with them and their families at this tough time," Mr Toole posted.

"Bathurst Correctional Centre is currently locked down with no movements in or out.

"Contact tracing is underway to identify any staff or inmates who may have been exposed to COVID-19. Any impacted staff and inmates are being isolated and tested."

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Mr Toole said Rapid Antigen Screening (RAS) would be implemented at the centre as an additional screening method along with temperature testing and existing COVID-19 screening questions.

"RAS will also be implemented to screen inmates for COVID-19 in addition to Justice Health's existing testing methods," he said.

The positive cases among staff have confirmed the community's fears after two COVID-positive inmates passed through the facility earlier this month.

The jail was placed in a precautionary lockdown on August 11 after authorities confirmed an inmate that had arrived on Saturday, August 7 and been released on bail on Monday, August 9 had returned a positive test.

A second newly-arrived inmate was confirmed as COVID-positive on August 13 following testing as part of jail protocols.