OAKLAND — The Oakland City Council unanimously passed an emergency ordinance Friday banning landlords from evicting residential and commercial tenants during the coronavirus pandemic, at least until May 31.

The council took the action at a special video-conference meeting to help tenants who can’t pay their rent for health reasons or because they lost their jobs or had their income reduced.

The ordinance goes beyond those approved by other cities in response to the spread of COVID-19 by also temporarily prohibiting certain rent increases, evictions of tenants who can’t pay rent because of coronavirus-related hardships and any late payment fees. Eviction notices filed during the crisis also will be put on hold until May 31.

Rent would still be owed after the moratorium expires.

A number of Bay Area cities and counties have already enacted their own rent or eviction relief, though they haven’t gone as far as Oakland’s.

As the council was meeting, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced he would impose a ban on evictions statewide until May 31. The governor’s order applies to renters directly affected by the coronavirus and requires them to put in writing that they’ve lost work, are ill or are forced to care for family members.

Councilwoman Nikki Fortunato Bas, who co-authoreed the city’s ordinance, acknowledged the governor’s announcement mid-meeting but said it was “incredibly important” for the city to pass its own version to address Oakland’s specific needs.

Several speakers at the virtual meeting urged the council to consider the impact the coronavirus crisis has had on the Oakland community, particularly the black, brown and immigrant population.

Councilwoman Lynette Gibson McElhaney reminded her council colleagues of the saying: “When America gets a cold, black folks catch pneumonia.” She said she agreed with speakers’ concerns and wanted to advocate for more long-term solutions to housing and rental issues.

Some speakers said they support the ordinance, but also called for forgiveness of back rent to help ease the burden of struggling tenants.

A woman who identified herself as a single mother told the council she does temporary work and was already barely getting by before the coronavirus emergency. “I fear I won’t be able to pay rent,” she said.

Some landlords who spoke at Friday’s meeting said they rely on the rent to pay for their mortgage as well as utility expenses and costs associated with maintaining the property.

The city’s ordinance also urges state and federal legislators to pass moratoriums on foreclosures and commercial rent increases and asks banks to suspend mortgage payments and late fees for low-income homeowners and landlords.