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1 [1] (April 2, 2020)

handle is hein.crs/govebce0001 and id is 1 raw text is: $ Cci griona Re eachSrvc S April 2, 2020 2020 Census Fieldwork Delayed by COVID-19 Introduction In a March 18, 2020, press release (CB20-RTQ.08), U.S. Census Bureau Director Steven Dillingham announced that the bureau was suspending all 2020 census field operations until April 1 (but see the more detailed schedule, issued on March 21, below). This action, a response to the novel coronavirus disease first observed in 2019 (COVID-19) and designated a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020, came at a critical time for the census. Although April 1 is the official Census Day, early data collection began in remote Toksook Bay, Alaska, on January 21. Other tightly timed field operations were underway or imminent, including the bureau's personal outreach to hard-to-count areas and groups. In-person visits to nonresponding households, originally set for mid-May, have been delayed by two weeks. Dr. Dillingham stated on March 18 that if additional adjustments became necessary, the bureau would communicate them broadly and promptly. The latest press release on the topic, dated March 28 (CB20-RTQ.14), announced an extended suspension of field operations, until April 15. The release did not present another revised schedule for the individual operations, but noted that the bureau continues to evaluate them and will communicate any further updates as soon as possible. This In Focus notes the various components of the bureau's 2020 census fieldwork, with their original and, as of March 21, adjusted schedules. Whether the bureau will have to make further adjustments in the timing of all, or some, components is uncertain. The In Focus will be updated to reflect any new delays or developments. The Original Operational Schedule and March 21, 2020, Revision The Initial Response Phase Invitations to answer the census were mailed to about 95% of U.S. households from March 12 to March 20, 2020. By April 1, 36.2% of the households had responded, according to a Census Bureau press release issued the same day (CB20-CN.36). The Census Bureau, before the pandemic, had strongly encouraged online responses as the fastest, easiest, most accurate way to complete the census, and lately is promoting the internet for these advantages, plus no associated risk of contracting COVID-19. In addition, the bureau is accepting completed paper questionnaires by mail and responses by telephone. This initial phase of the census, in which households are encouraged to respond soon after receiving their invitations, was to continue from March 12 to July 31. The adjusted schedule extends the initial phase until August 14. Update Leave Another operation, Update Leave, covers not quite 5% of households, located where residents are unlikely to receive mail at their homes. Examples include across Puerto Rico and in other areas that have recently experienced natural disasters. Enumerators update the addresses of these households for the bureau's master address file and drop off paper census forms, invitations, and instructions for those who choose to answer the census online, with telephone assistance if requested. Originally scheduled for March 15 to April 17, the operation has been delayed and reset to end on May 1. Update Enumerate During Update Enumerate, enumerators are to update the addresses of, and interview in person, about 2,000 households in remote areas of northern Maine and southeast Alaska. The operation began on March 16 and was to end on April 30. It has been suspended and the end date extended until May 14. The bureau, to protect both census takers and respondents from COVID-19, has directed that enumerators conduct interviews outside homes, six feet away from respondents. Mobile Questionnaire Assistance The plan for Mobile Questionnaire Assistance is to have bureau staff help the public answer the census online at places frequented by large numbers of people, such as community centers and grocery stores. The operation was to occur from March 30 to July 31. The start has been delayed until April 13-a date that now seems in question-and the end until August 14. Early Nonresponse Follow-Up The purpose of this operation is to contact off-campus households around colleges and universities that have not answered the census and reach students there before they depart for the summer or graduate. Originally set to begin on April 9 and end on July 31, the operation has been rescheduled to extend from May 7 until August 14. Nonresponse Follow-Up The major follow-up effort, in which enumerators across the nation are to visit nonrespondents and collect their census data in person, is considered essential for achieving a complete, accurate census. The operation was originally scheduled for May 13 to July 31. The start has been delayed to May 28 and the end until August 14. Group Quarters: Campus Housing for Students Students living on campus are to be counted through their colleges and universities as part of the bureau's Group Quarters enumeration. Alternatively, students can answer the census online or on paper forms delivered at campus ttps://crsreports.congress.gov

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