Coronavirus, COVID-19: Katoomba High School closed following positive test result

In an announcement last on Thursday night the school advised that a "member of the school community has returned a positive test COVID-19".

"To provide time for NSW Health to conduct their contact tracing process the school will be non-operational Friday, March 13," the school said.

READ MORE: Coronavirus explained: Everything you need to know

Students and staff have been told to self-isolate for the next few days while authorities trace anyone who has contact with the infected person.

The school did not specify whether it was a student or staff member who had tested positive for coronavirus.

The school said staff and students will be contacted and advised if they can resume school as normal on Monday, March 16, or if a further quarantine period will be required.

READ MORE: Coronavirus clinic to be set up in the local health district

The Department of Education said it was working closely with NSW Health to monitor and respond to developments and to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students and staff across the state.

"Consistent with current guidelines, children, students and staff who are unwell with respiratory illness should remain at home until symptoms resolve," the department said.

"In accordance with our current practice if any student becomes unwell we will implement our infection control guidelines and follow the advice provided by NSW Health as appropriate."

READ ALSO: Lithgow Hospital welcomes four new registered nurses