NSW has recorded 177 new local COVID-19 cases and one death

Hospitalisation numbers fell slightly from 343 to 340.

NSW #COVID19 update â€" Sunday 31 October 2021

In the 24-hour reporting period to 8pm last night:

- 93.5% of people aged 16+ have had one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine
- 87.5% of people aged 16+ have had two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine
- 75,378 tests pic.twitter.com/K4WqLeBULC

Meanwhile, thousands of free hospitality training spots will be opened up in a bid to help NSW businesses struggling with increased demand and a smaller workforce.

The government will fund about 3,000 training places across 29 TAFE courses, including barista training, introduction to cooking and safe food handling courses.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said businesses were struggling without the international workforce they depended on before NSW was sent into lockdown.

"People from all over the state are lining up to get into pubs and clubs and we want to support those businesses with enthusiastic and skilled staff," Mr Perrottet said on Sunday.

The new spots are on top of free places already funded under the JobTrainer program.

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NSW parents, meanwhile, are being urged to keep the Halloween tradition COVID safe.

"Aim to keep celebrations outside," is the chief advice offered by NSW Health's Dr Jeremy McAnulty.

"Provide closed packaging for treats instead of communal lolly bowls and consider ways for distributing treats that are safe, for example, putting them along the front fence or in the front yard.

"Keep it local," he said.

By that he means parents and children should confine themselves to their own neighbourhood rather than wandering into 'treat streets' beyond.

Kids should not share face masks and if they are feeling unwell, they should not take part at all.

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