Boggabri Coal worker who returned low-level positive now tests negative to COVID-19

NSW Health notified the Idemitsu-owned mine site on Saturday night of the employee's positive result, which saw the man in his 40s immediately isolated and tested for a second time.

The relieving news of the negative second test came on Sunday afternoon, with close contacts of the false-positive finally being allowed to leave isolation on site.

"This means that members of our team who had been required to isolate on site since last night can return home," a spokesperson said.

"We appreciate this has been a long and difficult day for the Boggabri Coal regional communities and we sincerely thank all workers, families and the community for your professionalism and understanding in dealing with this complex situation."

AN employee at Idemitsu's Boggabri Coal has tested positive for COVID-19, prompting the temporary closure of the mine site.

The company was informed by NSW Health on Saturday evening the worker was a positive case, and they were immediately isolated on site.

Boggabri Coal is working to ensure any other workers, who NSW Health have identified as close contacts, are also in isolation.

As a result of this development, the company has made the decision to temporarily close the mine site - expected to be for three days initially - as further testing takes place.

The worker who returned a positive has now undergone a second test to confirm the result.

The revelation follows Saturday's announcement that two people from Armidale were confirmed to have COVID-19, plunging the Armidale LGA into lockdown.

Boggabri Coal employs about 600 workers and contractors.