Legislative News and Views - Rep. Samantha Vang (DFL)

MAP Caucus Update: Coronavirus and the Census

Wednesday, March 4, 2020

MAP

Neighbors,

We've been getting a lot of calls from people who want to know more about how we can address the spread of COVID-19, a viral respiratory illness often referred to as the Coronavirus. Minnesota is well prepared to effectively respond to an outbreak. Click here to read more specifics about what’s happening. You can also review a March 2 Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) briefing here.

There are currently no confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Minnesota, but experts are telling us it’s not a matter of “if” but “when.” MDH’s labs are prepared to test patients for the condition. There are basic precautions we can all take to prevent the spread of COVID-19. First things first: wash your hands thoroughly. It may seem like common sense, but washing your hands for at least 20 seconds is critical to effectively remove microbiological bacteria. Also, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and be sure to cover your cough with your sleeve or elbow. Lastly, if you’re sick: stay home.

If you or anyone in your community is concerned or seeking more information, please get in touch with our offices - contact information is below.

The 2020 Census

In March and April of this year, the U.S. Census Bureau will mail information to nearly every home about the 2020 Census. Our Asian American communities are part of the fabric of Minnesota; we count! We are here and we need fair distribution of resources to our community, for our children, for our future. Census data is critical to our children’s future and the next generation. It helps us get the health care, transportation, schools, affordable housing, and higher education that our children need to get a good start and be successful.

Census data now is the most secure that any data can be. You can’t find any information that would identify you as an individual including your status or address. Private information is never published. Census workers are not allowed to share your information under the penalty of a $250,000 fine and up to five years in prison.

If you watch for the census materials in the mail and fill it out and return it when you receive it, then you do not need to answer the door to a Census Field Employee. By law, information they collect cannot be shared with anyone, including land lords, social workers, law enforcement, or employers. More information is available here.