THE EDITOR, Sir:

HIV testing in the workplace is a dangerous practice. Although getting tested for HIV is extremely important, this should be a requirement made by your personal physician when doing a physical.

HIV is out of control. However, if you are going to start testing and exposing persons for HIV (which is only contagious through sex or blood), then why not expose those who have herpes, syphilis or gonorrhea, some of which you can catch from a toilet seat or unwashed hands? These diseases are out of control too! Either way, the workplace isn't the place for this. Employers should encourage health and wellness by educating their people and giving them resources to check on themselves.

There are many afflictions that people have and it is their business, nobody else's. It is up to the people to practise good hygiene, cleanliness and common sense. You should not fear people with HIV, you should fear catching the disease itself. Practise good and safe love. Do not shun these people, love them. Do not alienate them, show them compassion.

America faced this issue briefly. However, we have laws that guarantee privacy and liberty. This idea got shot down as soon as it came up.

I am, etc.,

STEPHANIE WEIS

sttephynegril@yahoo.com

Orlando, Florida

Via Go-Jamaica