The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (November 16) released the latest grading of water quality of nine gazetted beaches. Other beaches have been closed to swimmers from November 1 for the winter season.  
        
     Eight beaches were rated as Good (Grade 1) and one as Fair (Grade 2).
 
Grade 1 beaches are:

 
Grade 2 beach is:

 
* Big Wave Bay Beach, Clear Water Bay Second Beach, Deep Water Bay Beach, Middle Bay Beach and Stanley Main Beach remain closed until further notice due to the severe damage brought about by typhoon Mangkhut earlier. 
 
     Under the present grading system, beaches are classified into four grades according to the level of E. coli in the water. Grades are calculated on the basis of the geometric mean of the E. coli counts on the five most recent sampling occasions.
      
     A summary of beach grades is published weekly before the weekend.  Latest beach grades based on the most current data may be obtained from the department's websites on Beach Water Quality (www.beachwq.gov.hk or www.epd.gov.hk/epd/beach) or the beach hotline, 2511 6666.

     The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Friday, November 16, 2018 is 105.7 (same as yesterday's index).

     Approval has been given for the appointment of the Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr Tang Ping-keung, as Deputy Commissioner of Police with effect from November 24, 2018, upon the retirement of Deputy Commissioner (Operations), Mr Lau Yip-shing.

     Brief biographical notes on Mr Tang Ping-keung are set out below:

     Mr Tang, 53 years old, joined the Hong Kong Police as an Inspector in 1987. He has wealth of experience in criminal investigation, international liaison as well as operational command. Between 2006 and 2008, he was seconded to INTERPOL General Secretariat in Lyon, France as a Specialised Officer. Subsequently, he was promoted in the organisation as the Head of Criminal Organisation and Violent Crime Unit.

     He was promoted to Senior Superintendent in 2007 and Chief Superintendent in 2012.  In 2015, he was promoted to Assistant Commissioner of Police and discharged duties as the Regional Commander, Hong Kong Island, and Assistant Commissioner, Personnel. In 2017, he was promoted to the rank of Senior Assistant Commissioner and appointed as Director of Operations.

  

The following is issued on behalf of the Country and Marine Parks Board:
 
     The Country and Marine Parks Board will meet next Friday (November 23) and members of the public are welcome to attend as observers. Major items for discussion include:
 
* Engagement of the Public in the Maintenance of Hiking Trails in Country Parks; and
* Summary reports of the Country Parks Committee and Marine Parks Committee.
 
     The meeting will be held in Room 701, 7/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon, at 2.30pm.
 
     Members of the public interested in observing the meeting should contact the board secretary at 2150 6697 for seat reservation. Attendance will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (November 16) that all facilities of Aberdeen Sports Ground in Southern District will be reopened tomorrow (November 17) for public use, including the track facilities for jogging.
 
     The sports ground was temporarily closed earlier for clearance and damage repair to some facilities after the passage of the typhoon.