Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has signed a pandemic-related bill allowing designated family and friends to visit residents of long-term care facilities.

The measure won strong bipartisan support as it moved through the legislature.

The bill’s goal is to prevent long-term care residents from feeling isolated from their families as the COVID-19 pandemic persists. The bill maintains designated in-person visits in those facilities.

Under the bill, long-term care residents can designate at least one “essential personal care visitor” to make in-person visits. Visitors could include relatives, legal guardians, friends, caregivers or volunteers. Visitors would have to follow safety protocols of the community or facility.

The bill also applies to assisted living communities and mental health hospitals.

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