Downtowner DC April 8, 2020

STAY-AT-HOME ORDERS IN EFFECT

The new stay-at-home orders in D.C., Maryland and Virginia give police more ability to enforce social-distancing rules. Disobeying these rules could result in fines or jail time. Businesses deemed “essential” — grocery stores, liquor stores, auto repair shops, etc. — will remain open. School districts are continuing to teach students through distance learning

BETTING APP READY, BUT NO SPORTS

D.C. Lottery’s sports betting app, GambetDC, is ready after months of challenges. Unfortunately, due to coronavirus concerns, there are currently no professional sports taking place. The new platform was supposed to be available for the Nationals’ season opener on April 2. In the absence of sports, the launch of GambetDC will be postponed, as first reported by Washington City Paper.

2ND D.C. EMPLOYEE DIES FROM COVID-19

A man employed by the D.C. Department of Youth Rehabilitation passed away last week due to COVID-19. Kenneth Moore, 52, was the second District employee to die from the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. He worked for the city for over 10 years, most recently assisting at-risk youth at the H. Carl Moultrie Courthouse on Indiana Avenue NW.

PENSKE DASH LEAVING D.C. AREA

Chances are, it was here so briefly that you may not have even heard the name. The short-lived Penske Dash, a car-share service featuring Volkswagen Jettas, will leave the area on April 11. The D.C. market first welcomed Penske Dash in October of 2019. It seems the company fell victim to the coronavirus-related financial woe saffecting millions of Americans.

METRO SERVICE SCALED BACK

Metro has scaled back bus and rail service due to coronavirus-related restrictions. Multiple rail stations have been closed, including — to limit cherry blossom viewing — Smithsonian and Arlington Cemetery. Trains are running every 15 to 20 minutes (with greater frequency at stations served by more than one line). With the exception of disabled persons, bus riders are to board and exit at the rear of the bus. For details, visit wmata.com.

RESTAURANTS, ARTS VENUES ADAPT

For those who miss dining out, many D.C. restaurants are offering takeout or delivery options to stay afloat — and to help those stuck at home stay sane. Also, in the wake of coronavirus closures, performing arts venues are going virtual. For example, Folger Theatre’s 2008 production of “Macbeth,” set in the early 20th century and directed by Aaron Posner and Teller (of Penn & Teller), is now available on YouTube.