‘So depressing’: Covid empties City of London of pre-Christmas cheer

The work from home' rules are less stringent than before in the financial hub, but many seem to be staying away

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At about 1pm in Paternoster Square on Monday, four placid, Christmassy eyes gazed at the trickle of workers emerging from the London Stock Exchange in search of lunch. PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH THE REINDEER," a sign on the enclosure said. THIS IS TO PREVENT THE TRANSMISSION OF CORONAVIRUS."

I remember when you could stroke them," said a passing trader. It's so depressing. I wish I'd stayed at home now."