Visitation rules could soon change at New Jersey’s nursing homes and long-term care facilities.

State Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli made the announcement Monday at Gov. Phil Murphy’s COVID-19 briefing. Persichilli says the visitation changes are thanks to the progress being made in vaccinating long-term care residents against the virus.

“In the case of an outbreak at a facility, indoor visitation is still possible as long as the COVID-19 transmission is contained to one area of the facility. Fully vaccinated residents can choose to have close contact, including touching and hugs, with a visitor, as long as the resident and the visitor are wearing right, well-fitted masks,” the commissioner said.

Persichilli said the vaccination effort in long-term care is transitioning to Phase 2 this week to ensure the vaccine is available for both residents and staff.