PORTLAND, Maine (AP) Gov. Janet Mills took several actions Thursday aimed at limiting evictions during the conoravirus pandemic that has roiled the economy and left tens of thousands of Mainers jobless.

An executive order signed, combined with a previous order by the court system, will prevent the immediate eviction of tenants except those who engage in dangerous conduct, she said.

In partnership with MaineHousing, Mills also announced a $5 million relief program for Mainers who cannot pay their rent. The rent relief program allows households that meet certain criteria to receive a one-time payment of $500 paid directly to a landlord, she said.

“It is my hope that these actions that we’ve taken today will provide some sense of relief, both financially and emotionally, to Maine people struggling to make ends meet. These actions will also help mitigate the spread of the virus by allowing Maine people to stay healthy at home,” she said.

In addition, Mills said she sent letters to financial institutions urging them to pause foreclosure proceedings and urged them not to initiate other residential and commercial foreclosures during the pandemic.

Senate President Troy Jackson praised the governor’s actions. “Making sure that Mainers are able to stay safe in their homes is key to stopping the spread of this virus and saving lives,” he said.