Despite the hardships and changes caused by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, Illinois REALTORS® and others who might now be working remotely are encouraged to take a few minutes and go online, fill out their 2020 Census forms and make sure they are counted.

Even though schools and non-critical businesses have temporarily closed and a growing number of employees are working remotely, community members who are spending more time at home may be more receptive to participating in the 2020 U.S. Census online. Participating online offers residents the opportunity to bridge language barriers, as the Census is available in 13 different languages.

REALTORS® across the country have been encouraging neighbors and friends to participate in the 2020 Census for several weeks. And in the last two weeks, the Census Bureau has mailed invitations to more than 140 million households. By responding online, Illinoisans can help their communities receive appropriate representation in Congress as well as government funding for schools, hospitals, roads, Section 8 housing choice vouchers, student loans and national school lunch programs.

COVID-19 causes changes

The Census Bureau also announced extensions for some of its deadlines, including the self-response phase, interviews in remote areas, mobile questionnaires and follow-up interviews. In some cases, the periods of time needed for data collection have been extended into August because of the pandemic.

Visit www.IlllinoisRealtors.org/covid19 for the most up-to-date information on the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak that may impact your business.