1. Sydney awaits a Christmas miracle

The number of COVID-19 cases reported today and tomorrow will be key in determining whether the lockdown in Sydney's northern beaches and restrictions across the city will be eased. "We would all like to have a normal Christmas but whether that will be viable we will have to wait until tomorrow," NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard told the ABC. The Sydney Morning Herald reported that over 100 venues across Sydney have been placed on COVID-19 alert.

2. Australians drive less in 2020

Data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has shown that the average Australian passenger vehicle travelled 11,000km in 2020, down from 12,600km in 2018. "During the periods of floods, bushfires and COVID-19, passenger vehicle usage across Australia decreased markedly in 2020," said ABS director of Physical Environment Statistical Solutions Rob Walter.

3. Brexit transition deadline looms

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed that the transition period following the UK's exit from the European Union is still set to end on December 31, even without a new trade deal or other agreements in place. The BBC reported that fishing rights are key to current negotiations.

4. Elephant revived by CPR

Following a road accident between a motorcycle and a baby elephant in eastern Thailand on Sunday, rescue worker Mana Srivate was able to successfully revive the elephant using CPR. "It’s my instinct to save lives... When the baby elephant starting to move, I almost cried," he told Reuters. Both the elephant and rider are now recovering.

5. Mixed start of the week on Wall Street

The three major indexes in the US were mixed on Monday, with the Dow Jones moving up 37.40 points or 0.12% to 30,216.45, the S&P 500 falling 14.49 points or 0.39% to 3,694.92 and the Nasdaq dropping 13.12 points or 0.10% to 12,742.52.