The effective exchange rate index for the Hong Kong dollar on Friday, June 1, 2018 is 99.8 (up 0.1 against yesterday's index).

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 1) reported the latest number of cases of dengue fever (DF), and again urged the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.
 
     From May 25 to 31, the CHP recorded one confirmed DF case and the patient had been to Thailand during the incubation period.  
 
     As of yesterday (May 31), 23 cases had been confirmed this year, all of which were imported cases. The cases were mainly imported from Thailand (10), the Philippines (six), Cambodia (two) and Vietnam (two).
 
     DF remains endemic in some areas in Asia. The latest figures for 2018 reveal that 13 164 cases have been recorded in Thailand, 1 096 in Singapore (since December 31, 2017) and 46 in Japan. In the Americas, the latest figures indicate that 101 863 and 8 801 cases have been filed in Brazil and Mexico respectively in 2018.
 
     The public should take heed of the following advice on mosquito control:
 

• Thoroughly check all gully traps, roof gutters, surface channels and drains to prevent blockage;
• Scrub and clean drains and surface channels with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any deposited mosquito eggs;
• Properly dispose of refuse, such as soft drink cans, empty bottles and boxes, in covered litter containers;
• Completely change the water of flowers and plants at least once a week. The use of saucers should be avoided if possible;
• Level irregular ground surfaces before the rainy season;
• Avoid staying in shrubby areas; and
• Take personal protective measures such as wearing light-coloured long-sleeved clothes and trousers and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or uncovered areas of the body when doing outdoor activities.

 
     To reduce the risk of infections spread by mosquitoes, apart from general measures, travellers returning from affected areas should apply insect repellent for 14 days (DF) or at least 21 days (Zika virus infection) upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to the doctor. DEET-containing insect repellents are effective and the public should take heed of the tips below:
 

• Read the label instructions carefully first;
• Apply right before entering an area with risk of mosquito bites;
• Apply on exposed skin and clothing;
• Use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children*;
• Apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent; and
• Re-apply only when needed and follow the instructions.
   

* For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a concentration of DEET of up to 30 per cent.

     The public may refer to the CHP's tips for using insect repellents for details.

     The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr James Lau, concluded his visit to San Francisco, the United States, today (May 31, San Francisco time).
 
     He visited Visa Inc in the morning and met with the Vice President of Global Government Relations, Mr Todd Fox, to understand the company's technological adoption and how it would remain relevant in the world of mobile payments and an Internet of Things environment.
 
     Mr Lau went on to pay a courtesy call on the Consul General of the People's Republic of China in San Francisco, Mr Luo Linquan, and gave updates on the latest developments in Hong Kong and how Hong Kong is embracing innovation and technology as an engine of growth.
 
    In the afternoon, Mr Lau met with Partner at 500 Startups Ms Edith Yeung to listen to her describe venture capitalist experience in investing in start-ups and training up early stage companies.
 
     Mr Lau was in San Francisco for three days to promote Hong Kong's strengths in financial services and financial technology developments. He concluded his visit in the evening and will arrive in Hong Kong tomorrow morning (June 2).

        

     The 24th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Tripartite Heads of Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Meeting was held in Macao yesterday (May 31). Led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Mr Lau Yip-shing, representatives of the Hong Kong Police Force met with the delegations respectively headed by the Director of CID, Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department (GD PSD), Mr Zhang Rui, and the Commissioner-General of Macao Unitary Police Service (MUPS), Mr Ma Io-kun.

     At the meeting, the tripartite CID heads reviewed the cooperation during the past year and mapped out the way forward. They discussed issues including cross-boundary crime, intelligence exchange and training.
        
     The Hong Kong delegation comprised Director of Crime and Security, Mr Li Chi-hang, five Bureau Heads of Crime Wing and officers from Liaison Bureau. The Mainland delegates came from GD PSD, Shenzhen and Zhuhai Municipal Public Security Bureaux, while the Macao members were from MUPS, Judiciary Police and Public Security Police. Also attended the meeting were representatives of the Ministry of Public Security.

     Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao police have worked in perfect harmony for years, resulting in the detection of many organised and serious crimes. It is evident that close co-operation and liaison among tripartite criminal investigation departments have contributed proactively to combating cross-boundary crime.

  

     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (June 1) released the latest grading of water quality for 37 gazetted beaches and one non-gazetted beach (Discovery Bay) that are open for swimming.
   
     Twenty-six beaches were rated as Good (Grade 1), 10 as Fair (Grade 2) and two as Poor (Grade 3).
 
Grade 1 beaches are:        

 
Grade 2 beaches are:

 
Grade 3 beaches are:

 
     Compared with the grading released last week, Big Wave Bay Beach and Cafeteria Old Beach have been upgraded from Grade 2 to Grade 1. Kadoorie Beach has been changed from Grade 1 to Grade 2.
 
     "The changes are generally within the normal range of fluctuation of the bacteriological water quality of the beaches," an EPD spokesman said.
 
     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.
 
     While the ratings represent the general water quality at the beaches, the 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 websites on Beach Water Quality (www.beachwq.gov.hk and www.epd.gov.hk/epd/beach) or the beach hotline, 2511 6666.