Gilmer ranked 120 in Georgia response activity
The 2020 Census will proceed, though not exactly as planned, with new target dates and precautions in place.
A statement from the U.S. Census Bureau noted that a phased restart of some 2020 Census field operations began in select areas the week of May 4.
Per that statement: “The health and safety of Census Bureau staff and the public is of the utmost importance. All returning staff will receive safety training to observe social distancing protocols in the COVID-19 environment. For their safety and the safety of the public, the Census Bureau has ordered Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for all field staff, including those that work in a field office. These materials will be secured and provided to staff prior to restarting operations.”
Anyone who has not yet responded to the decennial census can still do so online or by phone through Oct. 31. That deadline has been extended from the original date of July 31, confirmed Kristen Nespoli, partnership specialist at the Census Bureau’s Atlanta Regional Office
“We’re encouraging everyone not to wait to respond,” she advised.
Census takers are expected to hit the streets for door-to-door Non-Response Follow Up visits Aug. 11-Oct. 31, revised from the original timeframe of May 13-July 31.
“There will be about six weeks of overlap between Non-Response Follow Up visits by census takers and self-response. We want to make sure people can respond online at any time, regardless of where we are in the process. Also, our non-response lists are updated frequently so, if someone decides to respond in August or September, that address will fall off of our non-response list and they will not be visited,” Nespoli said.
Another door-to-door effort, Update Leave, will find census reps visiting homes that do not have a physical mailing address, such as P.O. Boxes, and leaving invitation packets on the door or somewhere easily visible. `
The Census Bureau first began delivering those response packets to households on March 15, but the operation was quickly suspended March 18 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Update Leave operation will not require interaction between households and Census Bureau employees and the effort will follow the most current federal health and safety guidelines, Nespoli said.
“In states where we have resumed Update Leave, we are also resuming fingerprinting for new hires to keep applicants moving through the hiring process. Area Census Office (ACO) staff will also begin returning to the office as necessary to support Update Leave,” she added.
Gilmer response ranked
An online map and ranking system has been established to show the 2020 Census response rates of states, counties and cities thus far.
As of May 17, Gilmer had a 42 percent self-response rate and was ranked 120 out of all 159 Georgia counties. Self-response rates include census replies that have been submitted online, by phone or by mail.
“Hopefully, once Update Leave starts, we’ll see a bump in Gilmer’s response rate,” said Nespoli.
Eight Georgia ACOs restarted operations May 13, including the Gainesville office that presides over census efforts covering Gilmer County.
“That means Update Leave and some hiring operations, like fingerprinting, will resume,” Nespoli said. “There are still job opportunities and we are still accepting applications. Those interested in working for the Census Bureau should visit 2020Census.gov/jobs to learn more and apply. They do not have to visit the ACO in Gainesville.”