Minnesota Governor Walz Press Conference Today

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is scheduled to address Minnesotans during a live press conference today Wednesday, December 16 at 1:15 PM to announce the next steps in the state's response to COVID-19.

Walz is expected to extend the current shutdown order affecting Minnesota bars and restaurants beyond this Friday, most likely through the holidays. However, sources say that Minnesota bars and restaurants will be allowed to resume outdoor dinging. Reports also indicate Walz will loosen restrictions for gyms allowing them to reopen Saturday at 25 percent capacity with masks and social distancing of 12 feet mandatory at all times. Youth sports are expected to be allowed to restart practicing on January 4. Indoor social gatherings will be allowed with up to two households, 10 people max. Three households can gather outdoors.

Walz is also expected to discuss Minnesota schools. According to Pioneer Press, elementary schools will be allowed to open for in-person learning.

Watch Gov Walz's press conference today live via the player below.
You can also listen live on the go with the KROC News app.