WASHINGTON, D.C. (WJHL) – The U.S. Census Bureau announced the suspension of all field operations on Wednesday in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
The Bureau released a statement Wednesday afternoon announcing that all field operations are suspended until April 1 to “help protect the health & safety of the public, our employees & everyone in the hiring process for temp census taker positions.”
In a statement on the U.S. Census website, census takers will begin visiting households that haven’t yet responded to the 2020 census in late May, but adjustments will be applied when necessary to “follow the guidance of federal, state and local health authorities.”
The Bureau urges the public to respond to the 2020 Census online by using a desktop computer, laptop, smartphone or tablet. Citizens may also respond by phone or mail.
The Bureau reports that more than 11 million households have responded to the census since invitations were sent out less than a week ago.
Read the full statement HERE.
For more of our continuing COVID-19 coverage, click HERE.
COVID-19 is the disease caused by a novel coronavirus first detected in humans in Wuhan, China, in late 2019.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the first symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough and shortness of breath 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.
Severe symptoms that require immediate medical attention include difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse and bluish lips or face. Stay up-to-date with guidelines from the CDC and The World Health Organization.
