After temporarily suspending 2020 Census field data collection activities in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Census Bureau announced today it was making plans to reactivate field offices as early as June 1, 2020.
In a joint statement from U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and U.S. Census Bureau Director Steven Dillingham, the adjusted 2020 Census operational plan would resume operations at full staff capacity, with a set of safety precautions prescribed to protect those in the field.
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.
The Census Bureau also stated it was seeking statutory relief from Congress of 120 additional calendar days to deliver final apportionment counts, in order to ensure the completeness and accuracy of the 2020 Census.
Under this plan, the Census Bureau would extend the window for field data collection and self-response 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.
Kern Sol News is a youth-led journalism organization in Kern County. In their stories, reporters shine light on health and racial disparities in under-served communities across Kern. For more stories by South Kern Sol, head to southkernsol.org.