Xinhua reports that China's southwestern province of Yunnan will now require annual HIV/AIDS tests for staff working in hotels, nightclubs and other entertainment outlets.

Under the new rules, announced Monday and effective immediately, those testing positive would be dismissed, Xinhua said.

The free tests are meant to identify people with HIV/AIDS to provide them with treatment and curb the spread of the virus, said Wang Yinsheng, an official at the Yunnan AIDS Prevention Center.

Those who tested positive for HIV/AIDS or for venereal diseases would be denied a certificate of good health, without which they could not legally work in the hospitality or service industries, Xinhua said.