Government and Policy

HIV tests axed for Chinese returning from abroad

By Zhao Chenyan (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2011-04-20 13:12

The controversial regulation ordering Chinese nationals to take a compulsory HIV test if they have lived abroad for more than a year has been cancelled, Beijing Morning Post reported Wednesday.

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The reports says a revised regulation on the cross-border control and prevention of AIDS was issued on Tuesday by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (GAQSIQ).

The controversial testing scheme was first introduced in December 2007 ordering Chinese citizens to take an HIV test at the border when he or she returns to the country, or registers to take the test within a month at a local hospital.

The regulation requiring positive HIV/AIDS test results to be reported within six hours has also been canceled under the revised rules.

Chinese and foreigners living with HIV/AIDS are still required to report their illness to the quarantine authority when entering China.