Child's Play, Silver Moon cleared out in Rockville

Two storefronts have been emptied out at Congressional Plaza in Rockville. Child's Play and Silver Moon had temporarily closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Now on the eve of curbside sales being permitted for non-essential businesses, they have permanently closed, and the spaces have been cleared out. On a brighter note, Custom Ink has posted a Coming Soon sign; they are expected to open this summer.

Montgomery County Headlines:

Looting in Chevy Chase

Bethesda Row begins boarding up stores in anticipation of looters

Hogan extends moratorium on utility shutoffs, allows breweries to serve in outdoor seating

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan issued two coronavirus-related executive orders this morning. First, he has extended the moratorium on utility shutoffs - including internet and phone service - until July 1, 2020. Secondly, he is allowing state-licensed breweries, wineries and distilleries to begin serving customers on-premises in outdoor seating only. Hogan's order also allows third-party shipment of alcoholic beverages to consumers.

Mass layoffs at Bed Bath & Beyond in Rockville

The fallout of coronavirus continues to crash down around Montgomery County, whose leaders were criticized by Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan Wednesday for not having begun to reopen. Bed Bath & Beyond at 1519 Rockville Pike has announced it will lay off 95 employees. Most of the chain's stores are expected to remain closed at least through May 30, the company has said.

Proposal to demolish historic Rockville home postponed at Historic District Commission

A review of a controversial proposal to demolish an historic home at 725 N. Horners Lane in Rockville has been "postponed until further notice" by the city's Historic District Commission. City staff had determined the home, which has importance to African-American history in Rockville and Lincoln Park, met several criteria for historic designation. The reason for the postponement was not discussed at the HDC's monthly meeting, but Chair Matthew Goguen said he anticipated the issue would return for review "at a later date."

Don't push the button!

Signs around Rockville Town Square warn pedestrians, "Don't push the button!" Walk signals are now programmed to activate automatically without having to press the button. The change is in response to the coronavirus pandemic, to provide "contactless crossing" of streets.

Launch Trampoline Park for sale in Rockville

Launch Trampoline Park in Randolph Hills is for sale, according to an online listing. The asking price is nearly $2 million. Under "reason for selling," the listing states, "Timing wrong and not the business for the investors." Speaking of wrong timing, coronavirus is now here, and a business like this will have to make significant adjustments to its operations for at least the next couple of years. The listing acknowledges that the financial numbers it provides do not take the impact of Covid-19 into account.

Coronavirus test now available at CVS Pharmacy on Rockville Pike

Starting this morning, you can be tested for Covid-19 at the CVS Pharmacy at 799 Rockville Pike, which is located in the Ritchie Center. To get your test, register first at CVS.com.