HIV tests for ‘public area’ workers

Service sector employees who work in "key public areas" will in future undergo an HIV test as part of a regular health check, confirmed municipal health authorities Monday.

However, it is not known which public venues will be included in the new plan, or whether the HIV test will be compulsory.

Beijing Municipal Health Bureau made the statement in the Beijing AIDS Action Plan for the 12th Five-Year Plan, which was released on Sunday.

"A test for AIDS and venereal diseases should be added into the health examination of people who work in key public areas, and timely medical treatment should be provided to HIV sufferers," it reads.

Xu Zheng, an employee from Beijing Health Bureau's disease control department, told the Global Times Monday that currently a detailed project is being drafted.

"We're still researching the plan, so it's too early to tell what kind of places will be included, and whether the HIV test will be compulsory and how often it will be," said Xu.

Those who work in restaurants, bars and hotels in the capital must go through an annual health examination to get a certificate, which includes a test for dysentery, typhoid, tuberculosis, and other diseases which can spread through contact. It has a validity of one year, and is administered by the Beijing Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC).

Staff at entertainment establishments cannot work without the certificate, according to health bureau regulations, and the business could be suspended or fined if staff were found not to have been tested.

Xiao Dong, director of the World Health Organization's HIV quick-testing program in Beijing, said he is afraid the plans may lead to discrimination.

"The so-called 'key public areas' will probably include bars, hotels and karaoke bars, but the health department should be more cautious next time: How can they publicize it before they have an actual plan?" said Xiao.

Xiao said it will be a violation of people's rights if they have to take a compulsory HIV test. Based on China's Regulation on the Prevention and Treatment of HIV/AIDS, taking an HIV test is based on personal choice.

"They may be working in a risky place, but no one can force them to take an HIV test. Even sex workers can't be treated that way," said Xiao.

"I'm afraid the employer will be informed of the HIV test results, which could lead to dismissal of someone diagnosed as HIV-positive. Someone's HIV status is a very personal thing and should not be revealed," Xiao said.

But Xu said staff in these venues have nothing to worry about.　

"I've never heard of anyone getting fired due to being HIV-positive," she said.

The owner of a bar in Gongti Xilu, Chaoyang district, surnamed Zhang, told the Global Times his bar has already been cooperating with the Chaoyang district CDC to get his staff tested, and he believes compulsory testing is unnecessary.

"I think it's a private business, so the HIV test in my bar is free to all and doesn't require an identity. Compulsory tests are an offence to privacy, and I'd recommend my customers and staff to check [on their status] anonymously," said Zhang.

Kenneth Bermel, manager and co-owner of Brussels Bar in Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang district, told the Global Times that he welcomes such a policy.

"It will help to prevent the spread of AIDS. I have already had an AIDS test when applying for my work visa, but I would go and test again if necessary. And I'm sure this is good for my employees. I don't mind if my employees are HIV-positive, although my business partner would care," said Bermel.

Bermel said although many people believe the plan is an invasion of privacy, from his perspective it will be good for the public.

"It's good for everybody, especially for those who are sexually active. With its help we can prevent such a terrible disease," he said.