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

It's the first time in nearly three months the case numbers have dipped below 200.

Pedestrians move through the High Street shopping area on 30 October, 2021 in Bowral, Australia.

Pedestrians move through the High Street shopping area on 30 October, 2021 in Bowral, Australia. Source: Getty Images AsiaPac

New South Wales has recorded 177 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 and one death.

It's the first time in nearly three months the case numbers have dipped below 200.

The tally from the 24 hours to 8pm on Saturday is 59 fewer than the day before. The infections were diagnosed from 75,378 tests.

Hospitalisation numbers fell slightly from 343 to 340.
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.
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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Published 31 October 2021 9:15am
Updated 31 October 2021 10:23am
Source: AAP, SBS



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