• COVID-19: What's Up in Bethesda?

      First Thing's First...

      From Montgomery County:

      "If you think you are ill and need medical care, you should seek medical attention.  Call ahead before going so the provider can take precautions when you arrive.  Testing guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) change frequently."  Please visit their site for updates on their guidance about who should be tested.  

      Your physician or health care provider will assess your symptoms and determine if diagnostic testing for the COVID-19 virus is appropriate. If your health care provider suspects COVID-19, THEY will coordinate testing with a commercial lab or the State's public health laboratory. While some commercial labs have the ability to analyze and report results to the patient or provider who ordered testing, the labs currently only perform the analysis and DO NOT collect specimens directly from patients. If you would like to speak with a nurse please call 240-777-1755."

      Ok...Now we can talk about Bethesda

       

    • Transit

      Masks are required to be worn for ALL Transit methods - Do Your Part to Keep Everyone Safe.

      Bethesda Circulator: The Bethesda Circulator resumed service on Monday, June 8, 2020 with new operating hours & modified stops:

      • Monday - Friday: 7am until 11pm
      • Saturday: 10am until 11pm

      Click here for more information about the Bethesda Circulator

      Maryland Commuter Buses: Effective June 8, 2020, Commuter Bus Routes have returned to operating on the published "S" schedule for all routes. Click here for more information.

      MARC TRAIN: Effective Monday June 8, 2020, MARC Trains returned to operating on the published R schedules with limited supplemental service for the Penn, Camden, and Brunswick Lines.  
      Click here for more details.

      MetroAccess: Open and operating starting at 4:00 am.  Montgomery County's Call-n-Ride program can now pick up groceries and/or carry-out orders! Click Here to learn more.

      Metrobus: Most buses are running starting at 4:00 am and ending service at midnight.

      Metrorail: Trains operate from 5am until 11pm.

      • Red Line trains operate every 5 minutes during peak hours and every 12 minutes during off-peak hours.
      • Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow and Green line trains operate every 8 minutes during peak hours and every 15 minutes during off-peak hours. Stations served by multiple lines have more frequent service.

       

      Ride On: Ride On and Ride On extRa service is running on all lines. 

      • As of Thursday, April 16, 2020, all Ride On passengers must wear face coverings.
      • On April 5, 2021, Ride On resumed front boarding
      • Fares will remain free through at least September 2021
      • Click here to find your route's schedule.

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    • Parking

      Garage Parking: MCDOT started charging for parking in the Auburn/Del Ray Garage (Garage 36)  located at 4910 Auburn Avenue on February 1, 2021.

      Restaurants

      Restaurants and businesses across the world are reeling with the chaos COVID-19 is having on their ability to pay their employees and function. As stakeholders in Downtown Bethesda, we all know that our Downtown businesses and restaurants are integral in maintaining the vitality of our city.

      Restaurants: Our parent organization, the Bethesda Urban Partnership, has compiled a list of Downtown restaurants offering carry-out and delivery. Ordering from them is a great way to show your support!  

       

      Resources for Businesses: If you are a business owner and are having difficulty with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, you can find information about resources such as Small Business Disaster Assistance on this page from Montgomery County.

      How Can I Help My Community?

      Volunteers wishing to serve or make donations can find opportunities with local organizations helping residents around Montgomery County by clicking here.

      Additional Local, State and Federal Resources

      Click here to see an array of additional resources from the Local, State, and Federal agencies and non-profit organizations.

      Click here for information on "Nourishing Bethesda," a drive-through family food distribution program.