According to Vanderburgh County legislators, 2020 Census responses are critical to future federal funding in local communities, and Hoosiers should respond now if they have not already done so.

Door-to-door visits are beginning in some areas around the country to remind residents to complete their 2020 Census forms. State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) said Indiana is currently tied for 10th in the nation for response rate, with nearly two-thirds of Hoosier census forms submitted.

“The data collected from the census helps communities receive essential funding based on population,” McNamara said. “It takes just a few minutes to answer online, and Hoosiers who haven’t done so are encouraged to submit their responses as soon as possible.”

State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch) encourages residents to visit 2020census.gov to fill out the census online. Hoosiers can also call 844-330-2020 or mail back the questionnaire sent to households.

“The census is collected every 10 years and everyone is required to complete it,” Hostettler said. “The information we provide helps fund our communities, schools, hospitals and first responders. These are important entities and we need the most funding for them to continue educating, healing and keeping Hoosiers safe.”

State Rep. Holli Sullivan (R-Evansville) said a number of households still need to respond from the following counties:

• Gibson County, 33%;
• Posey County, 31%;
• Vanderburgh County, 34%; and
• Warrick County, 26%.

“For the most accurate information and to receive top federal funding, it’s crucial for everyone to complete the census,” Sullivan said. “The data helps determine future roadway projects, community development assistance and many other needs. Hoosiers, please fill out the census and help shape our communities’ future.”

Census workers will wear masks and follow local public health guidelines when they visit households. All census takers complete a virtual COVID-19 training on social distancing, and other health and safety protocols before beginning their work in neighborhoods.

Billions of dollars in federal funding to support education, housing, health and public safety are on the line as this data impacts strategic planning decisions about statewide job training, locations of new businesses and public transportation projects.

Self-responses are due by Oct. 31, 2020.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) today announced that 809 additional Hoosiers have been diagnosed with COVID-19 through testing at ISDH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and private laboratories. That brings to 63,678 the total number of Indiana residents known to have the novel coronavirus following corrections to the previous day’s dashboard.

A total of 2,725 Hoosiers are confirmed to have died from COVID-19, an increase of 16 over the previous day. Another 199 probable deaths have been reported based on clinical diagnoses in patients for whom no positive test is on record. Deaths are reported based on when data are received by ISDH and occurred over multiple days.

As of today, 44.6 percent of ICU beds and 83.5 percent of ventilators are available across the state.

To date, 716,809 tests have been reported to ISDH, up from 707,791 on Monday.

To find testing locations around the state, visit www.coronavirus.in.gov and click on the COVID-19 testing information link.