CENSUS UPDATE

Despite some hurdles and delays caused by the on-going COVID-19 crisis, the 2020 Census is steadfast in its mission to count every US resident.  Many households have already responded online or by phone, and we encourage that to continue.  Some households have received or will soon receive paper questionnaires that can be completed and returned by mail.  Responding by one of these methods will eliminate the need for a census worker to make an in person visit.
 
Recent data shows that over 46% of Northumberland County residents have already responded, which is just slightly below state and national rates.  A few areas of the county contain households in low response tracts that are designated for Operation Update Leave. This special operation helps reach people in areas where the majority of households may not receive mail at their home’s physical location, such as small towns where mail is only delivered to P.O. Boxes.  Census takers would typically update the Census Bureau’s address list at the same time they drop off invitations to ensure no living quarters are missed.  Unfortunately, this operation is currently on hold to protect public health and safety.
 
The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the importance of responding to the 2020 Census and the importance of census data. That’s because your response helps shape decisions about how billions of dollars in federal funds flow into communities each year for the next 10 years for critical services. Like health care clinics. And hospitals. And emergency services like EMTs and fire departments. Emergency situations like COVID-19 illustrate just how important it is to respond to the census. So please do today at 2020census.gov
 
In response, a census letter or paper questionnaire has been sent to some of these households.  If either are received, residents should respond using the included Census ID.
 
If a letter or questionnaire is not received, residents should wait to respond.  A census invitation or paper questionnaire will be delivered and their address will be updated as soon as it is safe to do so.
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