Jeremy Hamilton, a student at T.J. Harris Upper Elementary School in Meridian, Miss., does classwork on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020. Meridian students spent the first few weeks of the new year attending class virtually and returned to campus on Tuesday. (Bianca Moorman

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves is extending a statewide mask mandate through the end of September.

He said Monday that he believes it’s helping slow the spread of the new coronavirus.

The Republican governor issued a new executive order Sunday, easing some limitations on businesses.

Restaurants may serve more dine-in customers, with the governor now allowing 75% capacity, up from the previous 50%.

Restaurants may also seat up to 10 people at one table, up from the previous limit of six.

Stores and gyms may operate at 75% capacity, up from the previous limit of 50%.