FOR many, there is nothing more terrifying than the idea US President Donald Trump could be re-elected for a second term.
So Tighes Hill resident Bannaua Brown thought it fitting to include President Trump in her Halloween display ahead of the US Presidential election.
"Trump is the scariest thing in the world to me right now," she said.
"I couldn't think of anything more scary than Trump getting re-elected for another four years."
Ms Brown said her family had begun celebrating Halloween while living in California, and had continued the tradition when they returned to Australia.
"We always thought it was a bit of fun," she said.
"It's a little bit different this year because of COVID.
"We usually finish off Halloween with a big pizza party here with friends and a swim in the pool, but this year we are asking people not to come through the gate, to use hand sanitiser, and I'll be wearing gloves and handing out the lollies rather than everyone just grabbing their own."
Fern Bay resident Fred Koegelenberg said his children, Mateo and Mila, loved getting dressed up each year and collecting lollies for Halloween.
"I think people have had to be a little bit more organised this year," he said.
"We have a neighbourhood Facebook page, and a lot of people have listed their addresses on there to let people know they are having something at their house and keeping it all COVID-safe."
NSW Health has offered advice to stay safe while COVID-19 is still "lurking in the shadows" this Halloween.
Dr Jeremy McAnulty, executive director of NSW Health Protection, said as long as levels of community transmission remained low, NSW Health was supportive of people having a little bit of fun for Halloween.
"Halloween celebrations will need to be a little different this year due to COVID-19 and we are urging everyone in the community to play their part," he said.
NSW Health advises Halloween should be a "front yard event" rather than a front door celebration this year, with no more than 20 people on properties at the one time.
Treats should be individually wrapped, and hand sanitiser should be available at the front gate.
Trick-or-treaters should maintain a 1.5 metre distance between people of different households, not share costume face masks, and stay home if they are feeling unwell.
Sewage testing in the Hunter has found no traces of the virus in the district.
There were 1385 people tested in Newcastle in the week ending October 25.
There were 1582 tested in Lake Macquarie, and 602 swabbed in Maitland.
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