With almost 400,000 Virginians still unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s economic fallout, Gov. Ralph Northam has announced a temporary statewide moratorium on eviction proceedings in the commonwealth, to remain in effect through June 28.

Granted by an order from Virginia Supreme Court Chief Justice Donald Lemons, the moratorium will pause evictions will the Northam administration works on instituting a rent relief program that will be financially supported by federal CARES Act funding.

“I am grateful to the Chief Justice for granting this order, and for the activists who have been working tirelessly on this important issue. Access to safe and stable housing is critically important, and this action will keep thousands of families in their homes as we work to get them the support they need,” said Northam, who requested the moratorium order in a June 7 letter to Lemons.

Details of the Governor’s rent relief initiative, supported by federal CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act funding, will be announced in the next few weeks, according to a news release from Northam.