Gov. Charlie Baker ordered an extension on school closures and non-emergency childcare programs to remain through the end of April Wednesday.

“This is not an extended school vacation,” Baker said. noting that the state will be working with school districts to develop at-home educational programs, including a partnership with WGBH.

Baker initially ordered a three-week suspension 10 days ago, which would have expired on April 6. Now schools will not be able to open sooner than Monday, May 4. The order comes as part of the state’s public heath response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Baker also announced a new $5 million rental assistance program for families struggling with rent insecurity during the crisis through the Department of Housing and Community Development. The agency is also recommending that all owners of state aided low-income housing, including Local Housing Authorities and private owners, suspend both new and pending non-essential evictions.

The Division of Banks issued new guidance to Massachusetts financial institutions and lenders urging them to provide relief for borrowers and will advocate for a 60-day stay on behalf of all homeowners facing imminent foreclosure on their homes, Baer said.

And as grocery stores and pharmacies continue to perform a critical, front-line role for residents during the pandemic, Baker said the state is issuing new guidance for operations including at least one hour per day of shopping dedicated for adults over 60-years-old, procedures to ensure social distancing and sanitizing, closure of self-serve food stations and steps to give high-risk employees assignments with less exposure to potential infection.

The governor also said the state would lift plastic bag bans and prohibit stores from charging customers for bags.

“There’s a lot left to do but we are all in this together,” Baker said during an update from Gardner Auditorium at the State House.

Baker said he shares the “frustration and dismay,” of the health care community surrounding the availability of protective equipment and supplies for nurses, doctors and others on the front-lines.

He said the state continues to “chase” the gear and equipment through the national stockpile, domestic procurements and international pursuits.

— Developing