2020 Census Operational Adjustments Due to COVID-19
The 2020 Census is underway and households across America are responding every day. In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the U.S. Census Bureau has adjusted 2020 Census operations in order to:
- Protect the health and safety of Census employees and the American public.
- Implement guidance from federal, state, and local health authorities.
- Ensure a complete and accurate count of all communities.
The table below summarizes the adjustments to operations. Should any additional adjustment become necessary, the Census Bureau will promptly publish the change in an updated document.
Supporting Materials
Status of Current Operations
Self-Response Phase
The public is strongly encouraged to respond online. (Options for responding by phone or mail are also available.)
Planned Schedule
March 12-July 31
Adjustment
Extended
Revised Schedule
March 12-August 14
Update Leave
Census takers will drop off invitations at the front doors of 5 million households. These households can respond online now—even without their invitation—by providing their address.
Planned Schedule
March 15-April 17
Adjustment
Delayed
Revised Schedule
March 29-May 1
Update Enumerate
Census takers will interview about 2,000 households in remote parts of northern Maine and southeast Alaska. They’re interviewing people outside their home, allowing 6 feet of space between one another.
Planned Schedule
March 16-April 30
Adjustment
Suspended and Extended
Revised Schedule
March 16-May 14
Mobile Questionnaire Assistance
Census Bureau staff will assist people with responding online at places such as grocery stores and community centers.
Planned Schedule
March 30-July 31
Adjustment
Delayed
Revised Schedule
April 13-August 14
Early Nonresponse Followup (NRFU)
Census takers will follow up with households that haven’t responded yet around some colleges and universities.
Planned Schedule
April 9-July 31
Adjustment
Delayed
Revised Schedule
May 7-August 14
Nonresponse Followup (NRFU) and NRFU Reinterview
Census takers will interview households in person that have not responded online, by phone, or by mail.
Planned Schedule
May 13-July 31
Adjustment
Delayed
Revised Schedule
May 28-August 14
Group Quarters Enumeration
We’re encouraging administrators of facilities like nursing homes, prisons, and student housing to choose an option for counting their residents that requires less in-person contact.
Planned Schedule
April 2-June 5
Adjustment
Delayed
Revised Schedule
April 16-June 19
Service Based Enumeration
We’re working with service providers at soup kitchens, shelters, and regularly scheduled food vans to count the people they serve.
Planned Schedule
March 30-April 1
Adjustment
Delayed
Revised Schedule
April 29-May 1
Census counts people experiencing homelessness outdoors
Census takers will count people under bridges, in parks, in all-night businesses, etc.
Planned Schedule
April 1
Adjustment
Delayed
Revised Schedule
May 1
Enumeration of Transitory Locations
Census takers count people staying at campgrounds, RV parks, marinas, and hotels if they do not usually live elsewhere.
Planned Schedule
April 9-May 4
Adjustment
Delayed
Revised Schedule
April 23-May 18
Deliver apportionment counts to the President
By law, the Census Bureau will deliver each state’s population total, which determines its number of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Planned Schedule
By December 31
Adjustment
On schedule
Revised Schedule
By December 31
Deliver redistricting counts to states
By law, the Census Bureau will deliver the local counts each state needs to complete legislative redistricting.
Planned Schedule
By April 1, 2021
Adjustment
On schedule
Revised Schedule
By April 1, 2021
Contact
Public Information Office
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