Corrective Services NSW has set up a command post to co-ordinate efforts to minimise the risk of coronavirus for inmates in the state's 38 prisons - including at Cessnock and Muswellbrook.
It comes after social visits to jails were cancelled until Sunday to allow time for extra health screening measures to be introduced.
Commissioner Peter Severin said he was also exchanging ideas and information with his counterparts nationally and internationally to see what measures work best.
He said nothing was being left to chance.
"As the response to the coronavirus continues and the government is communicating more advice and safety measures, it is vital we do everything we can to keep our staff and inmates safe and well," Mr Severin said.
"At present, we have no confirmed cases of the virus within any of our correctional facilities.
"We continue to follow the expert advice from NSW Health and are working closely with Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network to minimise risks for staff as well as inmates."
Social prison visits were suspended on Monday until this Sunday to allow time for additional health screening procedures for visitors to be put in place.
Corrective Services NSW is exploring options to increase the use of audio-visual links for legal visits, court appearances and family contact.
"Like the rest of the community, it's important we minimise all potential cases of COVID-19 in our prisons," Mr Severin said.
"Our focus remains on protecting staff and managing risks to ensure that we maintain safe and secure operations within all our work locations."
We have removed our paywall from our stories about the coronavirus. This is a rapidly changing situation and we want to ensure our readers are as informed as possible. If you would like to support our journalists, you can subscribe here
RELATED NEWS
- Another four Coronavirus cases in the Hunter
- The coronavirus crisis in Newcastle and the Hunter
- Newcastle-Sydney flights face chop with airline to make 'brutal' cuts
- How you can help stop the spread of the coronavirus
- Operation COVID-19: How Hunter hospitals are preparing for a surge in cases
- Closing schools is better than 'under-reacting' to COVID-19
- Photos that prove pets are the best coworkers when working from home
