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Author Archives: hksar gov

Grading of beach water quality released

     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (November 22) released the latest grading of water quality for eight gazetted beaches that are open for swimming. Other beaches have been closed to swimmers since November 1 for the winter season.

     Eight beaches were rated as Good (Grade 1).

Grade 1 beaches are:
 

Big Wave Bay Beach Repulse Bay Beach
Clear Water Bay Second Beach Silver Mine Bay Beach
Deep Water Bay Beach Silverstrand Beach
Golden Beach Stanley Main Beach

     Compared with the grading released last week, Silverstrand Beach has been upgraded from Grade 2 to Grade 1.

     Under the present grading system, beaches are classified into four grades, namely Good (Grade 1), Fair (Grade 2), Poor (Grade 3) and Very Poor (Grade 4), 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.

     While the ratings represent the general water quality at the beaches, an EPD spokesman reminded members of the public that water quality could be temporarily affected during and after periods of heavy rain. Bathers should avoid swimming at beaches for up to three days after a storm or heavy rainfall.

     A summary of beach grades is published weekly before the weekend. The latest beach grades based on the most current data may be obtained from the department’s website on Beach Water Quality (www.epd.gov.hk/epd/beach) or the beach hotline, 2511 6666. read more

East Asia

Third round results of Public Policy Research Funding Scheme 2019-20 announced

     The Policy Innovation and Co-ordination Office (PICO) announced today (November 22) the results of the third round applications to the Public Policy Research (PPR) Funding Scheme in 2019-20.
   
     The PPR Funding Scheme aims to promote public policy research and provide evidence-based research to facilitate public policy discussion. Applications are accepted throughout the year. For the third round exercise in 2019-20, PICO received 26 applications. On the advice of an assessment panel, PICO has supported 10 projects with a total funding of about $6.3 million.

     Applications to the PPR Funding Scheme are assessed by an assessment panel, chaired by and comprising experienced academics, who will take into account comments of reviewers who are academics and experts outside the panel in considering the applications. Each application is considered on its merits and relevance to public policy development of Hong Kong. A declaration of interests system is in place to ensure that the assessments are fair and impartial.

     Details of the funded projects have been uploaded to PICO’s website (www.pico.gov.hk/en/PRFS). read more

East Asia