Four North Melbourne players and interim coach Leigh Adams have tested positive for COVID in the lead-up to their round 20 match against Essendon.

Four North Melbourne players and interim coach Leigh Adams have tested positive for COVID after their round 19 clash with Hawthorn in Hobart.

The players, who haven't yet been identified publicly, have not been immediately ruled out of Sunday's clash with Essendon, but with their seven-day isolation period continuing until Saturday, they would appear unlikely to play.

Adams, who's only coached the Kangaroos twice since taking over from David Noble, is expected to be available to coach on Sunday, the club said in a statement.

North says all players and staff who travelled to Tasmania stayed home on Monday as a precaution, with training to resume Tuesday.

The Kangaroos lost to the Hawks by 46 points.