The jail was placed in precautionary lockdown on Tuesday night after management were advised that a staff member attended a venue of concern at the same time as a confirmed COVID case.

The staff member was deemed a close contact by NSW Health and was immediately tested for COVID-19 and has since returned a negative result.

Subsequently the lockdown has ended.

A spokesperson for Corrective Services NSW said "the safety of all staff and inmates is our number one priority, and remains at the forefront of our decision-making processes while COVID-19 continues to pose a risk."

Corrective Services confirmed on Wednesday morning Bathurst Correctional Centre had been locked down on Tuesday evening as corrections staff began the job of identifying possible secondary contacts within the jail.

"The staff member has attended the workplace following their exposure and has had minimal contact with inmates during this time," the spokeswoman said.

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"The Corrective Services NSW command post is working with centre management to identify any secondary contacts that may have occurred.

"In compliance with the Public Health Order, the staff member was wearing a mask while at the exposure site."

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