April 1 was Census Day.
And that’s no joke—even as the COVID-19 crisis complicates the 2020 count.
The timeline for the 2020 Census began in March, when “invitations” were mailed out asking people to go online to fill out the questionnaire.
Those who didn’t were told they could expect a visit from Census workers going door-to-door, beginning in April, but the United States Census Bureau has said it’s suspending field operations till at least April 15 because of COVID.
Anyone can go online at 2020Census.gov—no invitation needed or Census ID number needed.
You can also complete the Census over the phone by calling (844) 330-2020.
Either way, it’s still essential, said Schoharie County Planner Shane Nickle; the statistics the count gathers are critical for grants for everything from school lunches to highway funding.
They’re also used to determine the number of seats in Congress.
“We’re trying to get the word out there, that even with COVID-19 going on, it’s still important to fill out the Census, Mr. Nickle said Wednesday.
Schoharie County—like most others—had applied for a state grant that would have allocated $6,400 for Census outreach by groups like Schoharie County Community Action Program and local libraries.
But at this point, no one knows its status.
Historically, the local response to the Census has been low—even before COVID-19 it was estimated 20 percent of all households wouldn’t self-report, due in part due to lack of internet and broadband.
And Census plans to work with local libraries to boost internet access are on hold since they’re all closed indefinitely.
All—Cobleskill, Middleburgh, Schoharie, and Sharon Springs—do have open WiFi access from their parking lots; no passwords are needed.
Mr. Nickle said he’s unsure how COVID-19 will impact people filling out the Census on their own.
It may be, he said, that they’re looking for something to do.
Or it may be that they’re overwhelmed dealing with…everything.
“This is so unprecedented,” he said. “It’s the first time the Census went to primarily online. And now this. We just want to stress how important it is—especially now when we don’t know what the long-term economic impacts of this will be.”
Mr. Nickle said his office is also willing to help anyone with the Census—whether it’s answering questions or talking them through filling out the form.
“We’ll find a way,” he said.
Contact the Office of Community Development Services at (518) 295-8770; realize that staff is largely working from home and you will likely need to leave a message.
You can also email Mr. Nickle at Shanenickle@co.schoharie.ny.us.

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Early Census statistics show as of March 30, 26 percent of Schoharie County residents had filled out their survey.
The national average for returns is 36 percent; the state average is 31 percent.
The response rate by town follows:
• Blenheim—8.8 percent.
• Broome—21.6 percent.
• Carlisle—33.8 percent.
• Cobleskill (town) —31.9 percent.
• Cobleskill (village)—31.1 percent.
• Conesville—15.8 percent.
• Esperance—26.3 percent.
• Fulton—22.5 percent.
• Gilboa—18.7 percent.
• Jefferson—23.2 percent.
• Middleburgh (town)—24.4 percent.
• Middleburgh (village)—16.3 percent.
• Richmondville--25.5 percent.
• Schoharie (town)—26.5 percent.
• Schoharie (village)—23.0 percent.
• Seward—44.6 percent.
• Sharon—30 percent.
• Summit—8.2 percent.
• Wright—40.4 percent.