2020 U.S. Census Promotion Runs Up Against COVID-19 Outbreak

Michigan Radio reports that coronavirus concerns forced several top state officials to conduct a town hall promoting the 2020 U.S. Census in an empty auditorium in Flint on Thursday.  The public was barred from attending the event out of concern of potentially spreading the deadly COVID-19 virus. The event was streamed on Facebook.

While state and local officials wish to promote the importance of the Census to Michiganders, they find they are competing with constantly updating news of the coronavirus as they try to promote the census.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel says the COVID-19 outbreak is actually an example of why it’s important for Michiganders to fill out their Census forms. Nessel points out the federal government’s response is guided by where the need is greatest based partly on past census data. This week, Michiganders should start receiving information on the 2020 U.S. Census in the mail.

State and local officials are urging Michiganders to fill out their U.S. Census forms online. People who do not respond online can expect a census worker to come knocking on their door later this summer.