Halloween enthusiasts in NSW are being warned to keep trick-or-treating COVID-safe to avoid getting the fright of a COVID-19 diagnosis.
"If you and your family are planning to celebrate Halloween this year ... aim to keep the celebrations outside, provide closed packaging for treats, and instead of communal lolly bowls consider other ways to distribute your treats," said NSW Health's Jeremy McAnulty in a video statement on Saturday.
"For example, along the front fence of the house or hidden in the front yard."
Dr McAnulty suggested families should put their efforts towards decorating their front yards and staying in the neighbourhood rather than travelling further afield.
Kids shouldn't be sharing costume masks and their parents should check if they've got symptoms before heading out, he said.
The state reported 332 new cases on Saturday, as well as two deaths.
Cases continue to surge in the Hunter New England area, which had the highest number of infections of any health district.
Some 78 new cases were diagnosed there in the 24 hours to 8pm on Friday, above the seven-day average of 63.7 for the area.
The state's hospital numbers continue to fall steadily, now at 469 from 482 the previous day.
Some 123 people are in intensive care, of whom the vast bulk - 96 - are unvaccinated.
Eighteen people have received one shot and nine both.
As children in most year groups prepare for a return to school on Monday, vaccination rates in the 12- to 15-year age bracket are rising.
Some 77.59 per cent have received one dose and 48.83 per cent are fully vaccinated.
Of those aged 16 and up, 93 per cent have received at least one jab and 84.4 both.
Dr McAnulty reported that since restrictions eased in recent weeks there has been likely transmission in high-risk indoor venues, like bars and gyms.
It is a reminder to keep adhering to COVID-safe practices, even for the fully-vaccinated, he said.
© AAP 2021