The leaders of NSW's COVID response are celebrating after the state recorded another drop in daily COVID-19 cases while maintaining high testing numbers.
Some 177 new infections were diagnosed from 75,378 tests in the 24 hours to 8pm on Saturday, down from 236 the day before. It's the lowest daily tally in more than three months.
"To be in a position where we're opening up and still have over 75,000 people going out to get tested is fantastic," Premier Dominic Perrottet told reporters on Sunday.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the case total was "great news".
While modelling had predicted an increase in diagnoses and hospitalisations in October, authorities were "really happy" to see that never eventuated, he said.
The community was still going to get tested at good numbers and more people were being vaccinated every day, Mr Hazzard said.
"I have a sense of confidence that the community is still with us on the journey," he said.
One death was reported on Sunday - a woman in her 70s from southwest Sydney who was not vaccinated and died at Concord Hospital.
Some 340 people are in hospital with the virus, including 78 in intensive care. Of those, 64 are not vaccinated, five have received a single dose and nine are fully vaccinated, said NSW Health's Jeremy McAnulty.
The falling case numbers come before the rollout of the state's booster program and a shake-up to regional and international travel.
Pfizer booster shots will be available from Monday through pharmacists, GPs and the mass vaccination hub at Homebush. Regional facilities would be set up as well, Mr Perrottet said.
Restrictions on travel between Sydney and the regions will be lifted on Monday for fully vaccinated people.
"For the first time in a long time, grandparents will be able to visit grandkids ... many people will be reunited," Mr Perrottet said.
The decision to push back regional travel by two weeks to November 1 was unpopular but the correct one, he said, as regional vaccination rates were close enough to Sydney's to be safe.
Regional areas continue to account for a significant portion of the new cases, with 33 diagnosed in Hunter New England, 22 in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District, and 13 on the Mid North Coast.
Mr Perrottet would not be drawn on reports he was considering delaying restored freedoms to the unvaccinated until 95 per cent of the eligible population is fully vaccinated, instead of sticking with December 1.
But he said the roadmap was always under review.
Hotel quarantine in NSW for fully vaccinated international arrivals will be abandoned from Monday as well.
Trick or treaters and other revellers are advised to keep their Halloweens COVID-safe.
"I don't think you're supposed to be safe at Halloween, are you, but from COVID I'd like you to be safe," Mr Hazzard said. "Don't be spooked by COVID, just enjoy the rest of Halloween."
He said kids should try to remain socially distanced if they can and ensure that lollies are wrapped.
© AAP 2021