Restaurants are welcoming back diners, from Paris to Bangkok

The outbreak of the coronavirus has dealt a shock to the global economy with unprecedented speed. Following are developments Monday related to the national and global response, the work place and the spread of the virus.

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RATATOUILLE & RICE CONGEE: Bars and restaurants are moving beyond window service in Asia, Europe and North America. The viral outbreak has devastated the industry and the service sector.

— The fabled Parisian cafes and restaurants reopened Monday for the first time since the virus forced them to close their doors March 14. The surprise permission to reopen came from France’s president himself, in a televised address to the nation Sunday night. Restaurants outside the Paris region opened earlier this month, and Paris cafes were allowed to serve people outside, but not open their doors.

— Thailand further eased restrictions on restaurants Monday. Bangkok’s many eateries, which reopened in May after being shut down for more than a month, are now allowed to serve alcoholic drinks again, and there is no longer a curfew. The lack of alcoholic drinks squeezed margins even further in the besieged industry. Most restaurant owners are still unsure if their businesses can survive with the restrictions that still exists, and so many still sheltering at home.

BAD SHAPE: Gyms and other health-related businesses have been among the hardest hit during the pandemic. Gold’s Gym, founded in Venice, California, by a former bodybuilder Joe Gold, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last month and others are teetering.

— 24 Hour Fitness filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company said Monday that it has secured about $250 million in debtor-in-possession financing. It anticipates the financing, along with cash from operations, will provide sufficient liquidity...