The 36-year-old man was arrested on Thursday, July 29 and taken to the Nowra Police Station.

"He was transferred into the custody of Corrective Services NSW and returned a positive result after undergoing a test," a NSW Police spokesperson said.

The Nowra station has since undergone a deep clean.

The prisoner tested positive on Wednesday at the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre at Silverwater.

The 36-year-old was housed in a single cell and subject to the appropriate COVID-19 protocols and has since been placed into a designated isolation area.

South Coast Police District Commander, Superintendent Greg Moore said he could not release any details on the incident as NSW Health was the lead agency.

However, Mr Moore did say South Coast Police officers are well prepared for the possible risks COVID-19 poses.

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"Our officers have been well trained in the procedures that need to be followed," he said.

"They act professionally. This is something we have been trained in and prepared for since March last year."

Mr Moore said the Nowra Police Station undergoes regular cleaning,

"From day one we have had regular cleaning and checks in place, temperature checks, testing where needed, proper hygiene practices including now all staff wearing masks.

"We have taken all the normal precautions."

Corrective Services NSW said it is taking appropriate health and safety measures after the fresh custody inmate at the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre at Silverwater tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, August 4.

"The 36-year-old arrived at the centre on Tuesday (August 3), was housed in a single cell and subject to the appropriate COVID-19 protocols," a Correctives NSW spokesperson said.

"He has since been placed into a designated isolation area."

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Inmates are tested for COVID-19 when they arrive in custody as a precaution. It was this sentinel test that determined he was positive.

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

"The CSNSW COVID Command Post is working with staff to identify anyone who has had contact with the inmate.

"Any impacted staff will be directed to go for immediate COVID-19 testing and isolate in accordance with NSW Health advice."

NSW Health has been contacted for comment.