Family members will be allowed to visit loved ones in a coma or nearing death at nursing homes and long-term care facilities nationwide after such visitations were prohibited for roughly a year due to cluster outbreaks. 

The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters said Friday that revised standards to allow such visits will take effect from Tuesday, but only if visitors test negative for COVID-19.

Family visits will also be allowed for seriously ill patients if doctors feel they are necessary for emotional stability. 

Reunions will take place in private hospital rooms or a separate space to prevent virus transmissions and visitors must wear protective gear such as gowns, gloves, goggles and shoe covers.

Authorities will also lay out guidelines for non-contact visits where patients and families can meet through dividing screens.