US Census Field Operations Suspended amid Virus Fears

The US Census Bureau has announced the suspension of field operations for two weeks until April 1st, to protect the health and safety of the American public, its own employees and temporary census takers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

As of this morning, more than eleven million households have responded to the 2020 Census, which will be used as the basis of funding decisions for areas such as hospitals, roads and emergency services. Bureau Director Steven Dillingham urged those who have not yet replied to this year's census to do so online using a desktop computer, laptop, smartphone or tablet as soon as they receive their invitation, explaining that they can also respond by phone or mail.

The bureau says that during this pause in field operations, it will continue to evaluate all 2020 Census operations, and should any additional adjustments need to be made it will communicate them. In late May, census takers around the nation are set to begin visiting households that have not yet responded, to help complete the count. As the organization continues to monitor the outbreak, it plans to adjust census taker and survey operations as necessary, in order to follow the guidance of federal, state and local health authorities.

In a statement, the bureau said: 'Everyone should respond to the 2020 Census as soon as they receive their invitation, and when they're finished, they can make sure their friends, families and social networks know about the importance of responding. It has never been easier to respond to the census, and the 2020 Census will count everyone accurately'.

For all other Census Bureau household and economic surveys separate from the 2020 Decennial Census, bureau personnel will begin using phone calls instead of in-person visits. When an in-person visit is necessary, the bureau will work closely with public health authorities to ensure each visit is completed safely.

Web site: www.2020census.gov .