From THE U.S. CENSUS BUREAU
The U.S. Census Bureau is beginning a phased restart of 2020 Census operations in our area. In adherence to federal, state and local health officials’ guidance, the Area Census Office in Toledo will continue field operations and begin to drop off 2020 Census questionnaire packets at front doors of households sometime this week.
Referred to as Update Leave, this is done in areas where the majority of households do not receive mail at their physical address. In Wood County, the areas designated for Update Leave are Cygnet, Hoytville, Jerry City, Luckey, Portage, Rising Sun, Tontogany, and West Millgrove. This operation was scheduled to begin on March 15, but was suspended on March 18 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Field staff are trained to observe all social distancing protocols and will wear official government-provided personal protective equipment for their safety and the safety of the public. In addition, Census Bureau employees will have a photo id with them and are hand delivering questionnaire packets to households.
This operation is contactless and follows the most current federal health and safety guidelines. This operation is crucial to ensure a complete and accurate count for Wood County. Everyone is strongly encouraged to respond promptly to the 2020 Census using the ID number included in the questionnaire packet. Responding with a census ID or the paper questionnaire helps ensure the best count of our community. People can respond online, by phone or by using the paper form in the packet.
For more information, visit the 2020 Census COVID-19 operational adjustments page:https://2020census.gov/en/news-events/operational-adjustments-covid-19.html.
Note that the Group Quarters Operations that cover college dormitories, nursing homes, military barracks, and shelters runs through September 3, 2020 with the covid-19 adjusted timeline.
The current self-response rate for Wood County is 67.9 percent, compared to a final self-response rate in 2010 of 70.1 percent. These numbers do not include Group Quarters Operations, since that information is not yet available.
Partnership Specialists are currently authorized to drop off materials where needed. In-person events and meetings are approved on a case-by-case basis. Specialists are available to participate in any virtual event or meeting scheduled. Contact Patricia J. Robb.
