RALEIGH, N.C.— The U.S. Census is taking measures to make sure workers and the public are safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, canceling all face to face contact. That means responses to the letters sent out in the mail, online, and by phone are more important now than ever.

On Sunday, the federal government released it’s latest 2020 Census Self Response Rates, that shows 34.7 percent of households have responded to the survey so far. But in North Carolina, only 31.6 percent have given their information, falling behind the national average.

Spectrum News anchor Caroline Blair went in depth with Michael Cook, Sr. of the U.S. Census to find out why he feels those numbers are lagging, what they’re doing in preparation for Census Day on April 1, and how they want everyone counted this year, including newborns and those in the hospital.

For more information on the U.S. Census or to respond online, visit their website.