HAMILTON COUNTY, Ohio —

Countywide guidance for who and when officers initiate pursuits is complete.

The Hamilton County Association of Chiefs of Police spent 18 months working on the joint guidance, which culminated in a 14-page document and also changes Cincinnati and Hamilton County's pursuit communications plan within the dispatch centers.

The guidance will lead to changes, some major and slight and dozens of the county's 43 police departments. It's an attempt to get all the agencies on the same page when it comes to pursuits that can be dangerous and deadly.

"Some people think we should chase everybody, and then there's people that don't think we should chase anybody," Blue Ash police Chief Scott Noel said.

The group, now headed by Montgomery Police Chief John Crowell, spent months researching, consulting with legal experts and weighing input from thousands of community members.

The purpose is uniformity maximizing "effectiveness, efficiency and concern for public and personnel safety" during pursuits and to "minimize the potential for pursuit-related collisions."

The guidance states a pursuit can only be initiated when "the officer is attempting to apprehend a suspect in a serious offense of violence" or if there is a "risk of serious physical harm to others or the officer."

Pursuits are to be terminated when the risk of continuing appears to outweigh the risk of the suspect's escape. They are only permitted with lights and sirens. Dash cameras are to be turned on if the cruiser has them.

The supervisor bears the final responsibility for decision-making. Pursuit interventions like pit maneuvers, ramming or stop sticks require supervisor approval.

Cincinnati police revised its pursuit policy late February. It is in line with the county guidance but more restrictive, only allowing chases for violent felony offenses or exceptions like wrong way drivers on major roads. Plainclothes officers or officers in unmarked cars are no longer allowed to initiate pursuits.

WLWT reached out to several departments Thursday to see which ones plan to adopt the guidance for the Hamilton County Association of Chiefs of Police. WLWT heard back from 15 departments so far. Here is where they stand.

Departments confirming they will adopt the policy, possibly with modifications:

Amberley Village

Blue Ash

Delhi Township

Greenhills

Montgomery

Newtown

Norwood

Springdale

Woodlawn

The Mt. Healthy police department chief said its policy is already more restrictive than the guidance decided upon. Several other departments echoed those sentiments.

Departments still deciding but "likely to adopt" the guidance:

Cheviot

Golf Manor

Elmwood Place

Indian Hill

Most adults in the United States agree that the worst of the coronavirus pandemic has passed, but they're divided over concerns and expectations for what's next, according to a survey published Tuesday by the Kaiser Family Foundation.

At this stage of the pandemic, opinions on masking and other restrictions aimed to minimize the spread are mixed — with a split largely down party lines.

Overall in the U.S., more than 60% of adults say they are concerned about the consequences of lifting restrictions and keeping them in place. But Democrats are far more likely to say they are concerned about the negative effects of lifting restrictions, while Republicans were more likely to be concerned about the negative effects of keeping restrictions in place.

More than 80% of Democrats said they were at least "somewhat" worried that immunocompromised people will be left behind if the government lifts masking restrictions, compared with 30% of Republicans. Democrats were also about three times more likely than Republicans to say that lifting restrictions could lead to more deaths in their community or cause hospitals to become overwhelmed.

About three-quarters of Republicans, meanwhile, said they worry that local businesses would suffer due to loss of revenue, compared with 50% of Democrats.

A majority of both Democrats (56%) and Republicans (73%) said they are worried that the mental health of kids and teenagers will suffer if restrictions are kept in place.

Red and blue states alike have started to lift mask mandates and roll back other pandemic-related restrictions such as vaccination requirements.

But on Friday — just a few days after KFF completed its latest survey — the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shifted the metrics used to drive local masking guidance, dropping the recommendation to mask indoors from 99% of people in the U.S. to less than 30%.

The new CDC recommendations also apply to schools.

Support for masks in schools has fallen since the start of the school year, and parents are now split on the issue, according to the KFF survey.

In September, more than 60% of parents favored some level of masking requirements in school. Now, 43% say masks should be required for all students and staff, 46% say there should be no requirement at all, and 9% say masks should be required only for the unvaccinated in schools.

The partisan divide is clear, with two-thirds of Democrats in support of universal masking requirements in schools and more than three-quarters of Republicans in favor of removing mask requirements completely in schools.

And as masking guidance shifts, vaccinations stagnate.

The KFF survey was fielded right as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration postponed making a decision on whether to authorize a Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for emergency use among children ages 6 months through 4 years.

Nearly 40% of parents of children younger than 5 said that communication from federal health agencies about vaccines for this age group has been confusing. Most say they don't have enough information about their safety and effectiveness, and more than two-thirds say they are not confident that COVID-19 vaccines are safe for young children.

Only about 1 in 5 parents of children younger than 5 says they plan to get their child vaccinated right away once they are eligible, according to the KFF survey.

About a third of children ages 5 to 11 are already vaccinated. But parents of another third of kids in this age group say that they will "definitely not" get their child vaccinated.

On Monday, new data from the New York State Department of Health showed that vaccine effectiveness waned quickly during the omicron surge, especially among children ages 5 to 11, but was still protective against severe disease.

The authors of the preprint study concluded that if other studies repeat these findings, the vaccine dose for younger children may need to be reviewed. The authors also said the data may demonstrate a need to continue "layered protections, including mask-wearing, to prevent infection and transmission" in younger children.

The KFF survey found that vaccination rates are higher for older children, with about 57% of children ages 12 to 17 vaccinated. But parents of another 30% say they will "definitely not" get their adolescent vaccinated.

Overall, vaccination rates among adults have remained largely unchanged, with only about half receiving a booster shot.

Yet more than a third of adults say it's safe to return to pre-pandemic activities.

This is especially true among Republicans (65%) and unvaccinated adults (60%), but it's far less common among Democrats (11%) and vaccinated adults (26%). Only a quarter of adults say it will be at least another year before it will be safe to return to normal.

The vast majority of those surveyed said "normal" life will be different going forward, including continued mask-wearing, continued precautions, changes to the way we work and social distancing.

The director of the CDC has suggested that the health agency could soon issue a new mask guidance during a news briefing Wednesday.

The change could be announced as soon as next week, as White House officials asked Walensky to provide an update by March 1, before the president’s State of the Union Address.

Dr. Rochelle Walensky suggested the mask recommendations would be based on a community’s hospitalization rates.

She added that this would allow people to take a break from wearing masks when COVID-19 case numbers improve.

However, this would not be a permanent change.

If a community’s case numbers spike up, masks will have to go back on.

Walensky said Wednesday that people should still continue to wear masks in certain situations, including when people are symptomatic or are within ten days of positive diagnosis.

The agency is still working out the details of when masks are and are not necessary.

The change in guidance will come as a number of states announce their own modifications to COVID-19 safety measures.

Last week, ten states announce they were lifting mask mandates in indoor spaces and/or schools.

Dr. Anthony Fauci has expressed support in allowing states to make these changes as cases decrease.

“At the local level, there is a strong feeling of need to get back to normality,” said Fauci on MSNBC.

LEBANON, Ohio —

The debate over masks is lingering in Lebanon.

With many kids in quarantine, the district considered changing safety strategies on Wednesday.

But after hours of taking public comment, the decision was "no decision."

The school board tabled the vote after a meeting of more than three hours.

It was an emotional meeting.

People knew their stance and they made it abundantly clear.

Parents flooded the central office for Lebanon City Schools.

The temperature of the room was hot and the discussion was even hotter.

They came expecting a mask mandate vote by school board members.

Some people were against masks.

"Leave the decision to the parents. If it is mandated, there is no endgame and this will go forever," parent Christy Sanders said.

Other parents also agreed with Sanders.

"We're saying stay the course. Give parents the option. Let them decide what they want to do with their children," parent Mike Cope said.

Fewer people appeared to be for masks or mandates.

"There's homecoming, prom, choir concerts, musicals. All of these can be taken away if the schools get shut down for not wearing masks," student Alicia Smith said.

A woman who works in health care also spoke out in favor of masks.

"I just think it's probably the thing to do right now. I wish we could just kind of follow the numbers and, as they go down, then take the masks off," she said.

According to data from the district on Wednesday, 49 students have tested positive for COVID-19, with two breakthrough cases.

It said 17 students are waiting on test results and 536 students have been identified as close contacts and are in quarantine.

The data provided by the school district showed 52 students who are vaccinated or who were masked won't miss class.

But a big issue became abundantly clear after looking closer.

Quarantines, parents and even school board members said, are extensive in comparison to positive cases.

School board members decided to table the vote until they can figure out if they must follow the quarantine protocols set forth by Warren County Health officials.

"The quarantine has got to stop. There are counties in Ohio that are not doing it. We can stop doing it," parent Holly Bates said.

The district made it clear that it is not mandating vaccinations.

Some parents said under their breath, and some quite loudly, "for now."

It's not yet clear when the board will meet again to discuss the issue.

Board members said the superintendent will consult with the district's attorney for better guidance.

In light of new guidance for vaccinated people by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, local businesses are taking extra cautionary steps to keep patrons safe.

"Since we've heard of this, I definitely understand that we're going to see a wide range of responses from businesses in terms of what they want and what they don't want," Louisville Downtown Partnership president Rebecca Matheny said.

There is a sign on the door of Chestnut Street bar Meta outlining the new mask policy after the CDC released new guidance allowing for vaccinated people, in most cases, to go without a mask inside and out.

"We realized if we don't have a cogent policy on this, we're going to end up in a lot of disagreements with people," owner Jeremy Johnson said.

On the door, the sign says vaccinated people who can show proof are able to take their mask off inside. Patrons who cannot show proof or have not been vaccinated are asked to keep their masks on unless seated.

"Do you want to carry your vaccine card or do you want to carry a mask?" Johnson asked. "It's one or the other. Both are a little inconvenient, I get it but if people really hate wearing a mask, all you got to do is show me that you're vaccinated. No big deal."

Bartenders are checking vaccination cards and IDs.

"My staff just felt it was best to verify proof and if not, it's really not a big deal to wear your mask if you have to go from your table to the restroom," Johnson said.

With a range of options for businesses to adopt as far as rules within the establishment, Matheny said people should expect different rules at different places with the new guidance.

"I trust our business owners to make decisions that are right for their businesses," Matheny said.

Shop-bar also posted on their Facebook page they would ask to see vaccination cards for patrons who wanted to go maskless indoors.

COVINGTON, Ky. —

Kentucky is following the lead of several other states with plans to lift the mask-wearing protocols June 11.

The governor made the announcement Friday and called it a shot of hope for residents of the state. It was welcomed news for residents and businesses that have been under unbelievable restrictions for 14 months.

“You have to let people make their own decisions,” Northern Kentucky resident Jack Simkonis said.

Some businesses will let their own policies stand and individuals will let their conscience be their guide.

Although the mask protocols will be lifted in June, many venues will be allowed to increase their capacity to 75% shortly before Memorial Day.

“If you feel like you need to wear a mask, wear a mask. I think we’re at a good place and I think the numbers show that,” Northern Kentucky resident Bill Kornblum said.

Several states and numerous big-box stores have embraced new guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that say fully vaccinated Americans no longer need to wear masks indoors or out in most situations.

Beginning Saturday, fully vaccinated associates and customers will not be required to wear face coverings at Publix grocery stores.

"As a result of the recently updated U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, Publix will no longer require fully vaccinated associates or customers to wear face coverings, unless required by a state or local order or ordinance, beginning May 15," a statement from the company said.

Starbucks will make facial coverings optional for vaccinated customers starting on Monday, the company announced on its website.

"Facial coverings will be optional for vaccinated customers beginning Monday, May 17, unless local regulations require them by law," it said.

However, its restrooms will continue to remain closed to customers in locations where café seating is unavailable.

On Friday, Walmart executives sent out a letter to Walmart and Sam's Club stores as well as supply chain facilities encouraging employees to get vaccinated. The letter noted that as of Friday, "vaccinated customers and members are welcome to shop without a mask," while unvaccinated shoppers are asked to keep wearing masks in stores.

Employees who are fully vaccinated will be permitted to work without masks starting May 18, the letter said, adding that some workers may have to continue to wear masks for health or sanitation reasons.

The letter added that "masks will also continue to be required by some city and state ordinances, and we will follow those requirements."

At Costco, vaccinated customers can shop without masks in US locations where there are no state or local mask mandates.

"We will allow members and guests who are fully vaccinated to enter Costco without a face mask or face shield," in those areas, the company said in a message posted to its website Friday. "Costco continues to recommend that all members and guests, especially those who are at higher risk, wear a mask or shield."

Costco won't require proof that customers have been vaccinated. Instead, the message said, "we ask for members' responsible and respectful cooperation with this revised policy."

All customers will still have to wear face coverings in Costco's pharmacy and other healthcare settings, the company specified. They will also have to wear them if they are in stores in locations where there are mask mandates.

In a news release issued Friday, Trader Joe's updated its mask policy and said fully vaccinated customers won't have to wear a mask while shopping.

Walt Disney World also announced changes to its mask rules for guests.

The resort located in Orlando, Florida announced Friday that masks and face coverings for guests will be "optional in outdoor common areas" at Disney World starting on Saturday. The exception being that guests "must wear face coverings from the entrances at all attractions, theaters or transportation and throughout those experiences," the company said.

So that means if you're walking down Main Street, U.S.A., you don't have to wear a mask but if you're riding Space Mountain, you'll still have to.

Universal Orlando Resort, a Disney competitor in Orlando that houses attractions from Harry Potter and Jurassic Park, also announced Friday that it was updating its COVID-19 safety measures. Like Disney's new requirements, it says that masks are not "mandatory" while outdoors but are still "required in all indoor locations including shops and restaurants" and required at all attractions.

Disney did not say if and when it would change mask guidance and safety measures at its other parks.

Disney's announcement airline stocks soaring, though the CDC guidance still calls for masks in crowded indoor settings such as planes, buses, trains, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters, and says people should obey local and state regulations.

Other states and businesses took a wait-and-see attitude Friday amid questions of whether the new stand is safe or workable, given that there is no easy way to know who has been vaccinated and who hasn't. The guidelines essentially leave it up to people to do the right thing.

Labor groups and others warned that employees at stores, restaurants and other businesses could be left exposed to the coronavirus from customers and could be forced into the unwanted role of "vaccination police."

Several major chains, including Home Depot and grocer Kroger Co., announced that they would keep mask mandates in place for now.

But Sean Weinberg took down mask signs Friday at Restaurant Alba in Malvern, Pennsylvania, which he runs with his wife. He also emailed his employees to let them know they can forgo masks at work if they are fully vaccinated.

"It's just a headache we don't want to have to fight any more," he said of the mask requirement.

CLICK HERE FOR A MASK GUIDANCE ACCORDING TO YOUR VACCINE STATUS

States such as Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Kentucky, Washington and Kansas announced plans to fall in line with the CDC guidance either immediately or in the coming weeks.

In a video statement, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown said the new approach makes clear that vaccines are the fastest way to get back to doing the things "we all love." Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear called the guidance a "gamechanger."

"This is a heck of a benefit," Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said. "People who have been annoyed by this mask ... that shot is a ticket to freedom from masks."

Other states, such as Massachusetts, Maine and Rhode Island, were waiting, though a spokesperson for Republican Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker said an update was coming "in the near future."

California's Department of Public Health said it was still reviewing the guidelines.

"I think this is early," Marin County Public Health Officer Dr. Matt Willis said on San Francisco's KGO-TV. "Frankly, the idea of people not covering their faces indoors when they're gathered together, it's concerning that there would be ongoing transmission."

The president of the American Federation of Teachers, Randi Weingarten, said the 1.7 million-member union is still trying to sort out what the change means. Many schools already had been ditching mask orders in recent weeks.

Republican Rep. Dusty Johnson, South Dakota's lone congressman, marked the announcement by sharing a video demonstrating how cast-off masks can now be used for things like suit pocket handkerchiefs, bookmarks or beer cozies.

"It seems too wasteful to just throw them away," he said. "I think I'll have my mother make them into a quilt."

And Shelby Lofton, a reporter for WKYT-TV in Lexington, Kentucky, quipped in a tweet: "So, I guess I'll start wearing lipstick again. Also need to work on my poker face."

Elsewhere, the announcement didn't mean much because many states and cities already had dropped mask requirements in recent weeks amid improving virus numbers. The tourist town of Branson, Missouri, did so early last month after voting out several mask supporters.

"I think it just further supports the decision we made to lift the mask mandate," said newly elected Mayor Larry Milton. "It was dividing our community. We heard loud and clear from voters that they wanted the mask mandate repealed."

The CDC and the Biden administration have faced pressure to ease restrictions on fully vaccinated people — those who are two weeks past their last required dose — in part to highlight the benefits of the shots and motivate other people to get inoculated.

Nearly 47% of the U.S. population has received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and almost 36% is fully vaccinated. Virus cases have dropped to their lowest level since September, at an average of about 35,000 a day, and have fallen by almost one-third in just the past two weeks. Deaths have plummeted to about 620 a day on average, a level not seen since July of last year.

In Kansas, Richard Ranzau, who has emerged in recent weeks as a leading opponent of masks in schools in the Wichita area and formerly served on the county commission, said the announcement was overdue.

"If you don't have confidence in the vaccine then why are you getting vaccinated? At this point everyone, at least here in Kansas, everyone has had the opportunity," he said.

In making the announcement, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky noted that the vaccine has proved powerfully effective in preventing serious COVID-19 illness. She cited evidence that infections in people who have gotten their shots tend to be milder, shorter and harder to spread to others.

Occasional cases of the fully vaccinated becoming infected have raised concerns, though.

The New York Yankees announced before Thursday's game that shortstop Gleyber Torres tested positive despite being fully vaccinated and having previously contracted the virus during the offseason. Seven fully vaccinated coaches and staff members also tested positive.

CNN contributed to this report.