The business closures mandated by Governor Tom Wolf in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus left Main Line streets eerily empty over the weekend, writes Ellie Rushing for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Originally, all “nonessential” businesses were asked to close to prevent COVID-19 spread. However on Sunday, Wolf also instructed restaurants and bars to close their dining facilities for two weeks, while continuing to provide carry-out and delivery services.

In an effort to reduce the blow of these unexpected closures, stores were trying to keep customers by offering curbside pickup, online discounts, and free delivery.

Besito Mexican Restaurant in Ardmore’s historic Suburban Square was one of the businesses that sat empty on Sunday morning. Its business dropped dramatically as soon as Villanova announced it would close.

However the popular brunch spot was not the exception as the entire Suburban Square was nearly deserted. Around 75 percent of stores were closed, with mostly just corporate businesses such as Blue Mercury and Starbucks remaining open.

Meanwhile, along Bala Cynwyd’s City Avenue, businesses in the shopping centers were open and fully operating despite the governor’s closure orders.

Read more about the issue at The Philadelphia Inquirer by clicking here.

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Public Health Notice: To get the latest information and updates regarding COVID-19, visit the Montco COVID-19 Data Hub here. Have questions about the County’s response to the coronavirus? Send an email to COVID19@montcopa.org.

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