Charlie Wiese & Rebecca Omastiak Created: December 15, 2020 09:09 PM UPDATE: Gov. Tim Walz announced his plan to loosen some COVID-19 restrictions, which would include a prioritization of in-person learning at elementary schools, allowing limited capacity outdoor dining at bars and restaurants, limited capacity at fitness centers and limited holiday gatherings. "We're going to support students and families, we're going to continue the effort to slow the risk of spread and we're going to protect our hospitals," Walz said while addressing the media Wednesday. "That is what this is meant to do." According to the governor's office, beginning Jan. 18, 2021, elementary schools in the state may choose to operate in an in-person learning model.