Census Activities Postponed, Extended Due to COVID-19

Posted on April 28, 2020

In light of COVID-19, the U.S. Census Bureau has postponed or extended many of its operations. You can still complete the Census from the comforts of your home, either online at 2020census.gov, over the phone or by mail. If you have any questions about the Census, suspect a scam, or would like to complete your questionnaire over the phone, call 844-330-2020 for assistance in English. For foreign-language phone assistance, visit this page for the appropriate phone number.

Here are some important dates reflecting the U.S. Census Bureau’s operational changes:

  • Beginning June 1: Field offices will reopen on a rolling basis, in accordance with local health and safety guidelines.
  • August 11: Non-Response Follow-Up begins. This is the period when the Census Bureau visits households in person to collect Census responses.

Although the Census Bureau has delayed the in-person count until August 11, people are still encouraged to respond as soon as possible. The reference day of the Census (April 1, 2020) has not changed. Schedules for the overnight homelessness count and mobile assistance units have not been released.

The Census is requesting from Congress a 120-day delay in reporting final counts and data, due to these operational delays. You can find more information on the Census Bureau’s request here.