To counteract the springtime drop in business caused by the coronavirus crisis, Montgomery County is shifting its focus to drawing in May and summer crowds, writes Laura Smythe for the Philadelphia Business Journal.

Currently, the situation across the county is changing on a daily basis, according to Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board CEO Mike Bowman.

While nearly all stores were open at King of Prussia Mall on Friday, by Sunday the largest shopping center in the country had closed temporarily.

Also over the weekend, while some hotels in Montgomery County saw occupancy of 30 percent, some plummeted to 10 percent. However, some extended-stay hotels still have occupancy above 50 percent. Restaurants in the county are also looking at a rough four to six weeks.

“We’re expecting it to be worse now with the malls closed down, the restaurants are down, Legoland’s closed,” said Bowman.

But despite this, Bowman is optimistic that come Memorial Day, the industry will rebound. Events already planned include a four-day USA Powerlifting event in mid-June that will generate more than 1,200 room nights.

Read more about the plans at the Philadelphia Business Journal by clicking here.