PM2.5 concentration

THE average PM2.5 concentration in Shenzhen between January and November was 25.6 micrograms per cubic meter, a decrease of 0.5 micrograms per cubic meter compared to the same period last year.

Compared to other Pearl River Delta cities, the concentration was low, according to a Shenzhen Economic Daily report.

The improvement of air quality was attributed to the efforts of the city government in promoting green energy, replacing diesel-powered vehicles and introducing electricity-powered buses and taxis.

HPV demand

A TOTAL of 1,441 applicants, out of 119,140, won an opportunity for HPV9 vaccine inoculations through a lucky draw, a result from the city’s health commission showed. Each applicant had a 1.21 in 100 chance of winning the draw.

According to the commission, the number of applicants increased by 24,029 and the slots available for the inoculations grew by 136 in the second-phase lucky draw, which was carried out Tuesday.

Shenzhen piloted a lottery system for HPV9 vaccine injections starting this November. The first phase of the lottery was carried out Nov. 26.

App-based cars

THE Shenzhen transport commission has handled 3,454 violations by app-based cars this year, 3.6 times the number in 2017.

The commission also issued fines to 10 app-based cab operators, including Didi, for 140 violations.

Tree trimming

THE Futian District Government has promised to trim royal palm branches, which have been called bombs in the air, as they can easily fall and hurt pedestrians.

In dry weather, it is easy for the branches and leaves of royal palms to drop and pose a potential safety threat to passers-by.

The Futian District Urban Management Bureau recently issued a notice requiring contracted landscaping companies to take charge and trim the decaying or dry branches.

Child abuse case

XIXIANG Subdistrict Office in Bao’an District has released a notice over a child abuse case, saying that the affected girl was now in good condition and accompanied by psychologists and social workers. The police are investigating the case.

A hospital has conducted a comprehensive examination of the girl and the results indicate she is healthy across every standard. The girl will continue her studies.

In order to protect the girl, the office has suggested that the media and the public refrain from trying to visit or interview her. Relevant authorities will provide substantial aid, and ensure her safety and rights.

Winter holiday

THE winter holiday for schools of compulsory education will be from Jan. 20 to Feb. 18, 2019, according to the city’s education bureau.

The holiday for senior high schools will begin Jan. 27.

Schools are not allowed to organize extra lessons of any kind for students during the holiday.

Temporary classrooms

GIVEN the influence of noise and dust caused by the school’s renovation and expansion project, Meili Primary School in Futian District recently built a temporary facility nearby to continue its teaching activities.

This solution is the first of its kind attempted across the country and was favored by students and parents.

Land bidding

TWO land parcels for industrial use in Bao’an and Longgang districts were auctioned at more than 100 million yuan (US$14.53 million) to local companies.

It was the first time that the land administration had tried joint-bidding by two enterprises. The bidders need to engage in new-generation information technology and cultural and creative industries for at least three years.