ALBANY, N.Y. – New York’s ban on evicting commercial tenants has been extended, according to a new executive order signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo Thursday.

The state suspended residential and commercial evictions in March, at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

The new order extends the protections for commercial tenants through Sept. 20.

Cuomo says this is an effort to protect businesses from closing, by allowing more time for owners to pay past due rent, or renegotiate lease or mortgage terms, to avoid eviction or foreclosure.

"I am extending the state's moratorium on commercial evictions to ensure business owners across New York will not be forced to close as a result of the pandemic,” he said.

Cuomo previously signed the Tenant Safe Harbor Act to protect residential tenants struggling to pay rent during the pandemic. This also included protection against late fees, and allowed renters to use security deposits as payments.