Press Release Census Statement on COVID 19 April 13 2020

Statement on 2020 Census Operational Adjustments Due to COVID-19

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U.S. Department of Commerce
Secretary Wilbur Ross and U.S. Census
Bureau Director Steven Dillingham
Statement on 2020 Census Operational
Adjustments Due to COVID-19
In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the U.S. Census Bureau is
adjusting 2020 Census operations.
APRIL 13, 2020
RELEASE NUMBER CB20-RTQ.16

APRIL 13, 2020 — The 2020 Census is underway and more households across America are
responding every day. Over 70 million households have responded to date, representing over
48% of all households in America. In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the U.S. Census Bureau
is adjusting 2020 Census operations in order to:
• Protect the health and safety of the American public and Census Bureau employees.
• Implement guidance from federal, state and local authorities.
• Ensure a complete and accurate count of all communities.
The Census Bureau temporarily suspended 2020 Census field data collection activities in
March. Steps are already being taken to reactivate field offices beginning June 1, 2020, in
preparation for the resumption of field data collection operations as quickly as possible
following June 1.
In-person activities, including all interaction with the public, enumeration, office work and
processing activities, will incorporate the most current guidance to promote the health and
safety of staff and the public. This will include recommended personal protective equipment
(PPE) and social distancing practices.

https://2020census.gov/en/news-events/press-releases/statement-covid-19-2020.html

4/29/2020

Statement on 2020 Census Operational Adjustments Due to COVID-19

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Once 2020 Census data collection is complete, the Census Bureau begins a lengthy, thorough
and scientifically rigorous process to produce the apportionment counts, redistricting
information and other statistical data products that help guide hundreds of billions of dollars in
public and private sector spending per year.
In order to ensure the completeness and accuracy of the 2020 Census, the Census Bureau is
seeking statutory relief from Congress of 120 additional calendar days to deliver final
apportionment counts.
Under this plan, the Census Bureau would extend the window for field data collection and selfresponse to October 31, 2020, which will allow for apportionment counts to be delivered to the
President by April 30, 2021, and redistricting data to be delivered to the states no later than
July 31, 2021.
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Related Information
PRESS RELEASE

2020 Census Operational
Adjustments Due to COVID19

https://2020census.gov/en/news-events/press-releases/statement-covid-19-2020.html

4/29/2020

Statement on 2020 Census Operational Adjustments Due to COVID-19

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We’re adapting or delaying some of
our operations to protect the health
and safety of our staff and the public
and make sure we get the same
population counted.

https://2020census.gov/en/news-events/press-releases/statement-covid-19-2020.html

4/29/2020