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Mexican Census Continues Despite Coronavirus Concerns

Mexico's National Institute of Statistics has posted on social media the uniforms of their pollsters to alert people about the census.
Mexico's National Institute of Statistics
Mexico's National Institute of Statistics has posted on social media the uniforms of their pollsters to alert people about the census.

MEXICO CITY — Like the United States, Mexico is conducting its 2020 census. But the country’s strategy against the COVID-19 pandemic is smacking up against the deadline, which officially ends this Friday, March 27.

Survey takers are struggling to register people, like this pollster who asked for anonymity, fearing retaliation. 

"Many are refusing to talk, since the government has instructed to stay inside and keep a distance," she said.

Mexico’s Institute of Statistics developed a website and a hotline for conducting the census count without any physical contact, but its success is uncertain. 

The conservative party, PAN, recommended changing the deadline, but the government did not agree to that.

"The only protection we (pollsters) received from the government are gloves, face masks and instructions on hygiene and personal distancing," the survey taker said.

→  Read The Latest News On The Coronavirus Disease 

Rodrigo Cervantes was KJZZ’s bureau chief in Mexico City from 2016 to 2021.