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The Census Needs to Count Women. The Pandemic Makes That Harder. The Census Needs to Count Women. The Pandemic Makes That Harder.
(about 16 hours later)
— Maria Olmedo-Malagon, a Census Bureau employee, on what could happen if women aren’t counted— Maria Olmedo-Malagon, a Census Bureau employee, on what could happen if women aren’t counted
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Last week, the Census Bureau announced a four-month delay in collecting 2020 census data, and asked Congress to postpone its deadline for reporting results.Last week, the Census Bureau announced a four-month delay in collecting 2020 census data, and asked Congress to postpone its deadline for reporting results.
A spokeswoman for the bureau said she almost had to laugh: After a decade of planning for what was expected to be a census with record high participation, especially among traditionally undercounted populations, the coronavirus knocked it right off track.A spokeswoman for the bureau said she almost had to laugh: After a decade of planning for what was expected to be a census with record high participation, especially among traditionally undercounted populations, the coronavirus knocked it right off track.
America has been counting its residents since 1790. For the first national census, local enumerators visited every home to record the name of the head of household (spoiler: almost always a man), and a tally of its free white children, women and slaves.America has been counting its residents since 1790. For the first national census, local enumerators visited every home to record the name of the head of household (spoiler: almost always a man), and a tally of its free white children, women and slaves.
Today all residents are asked to fill out the form themselves and submit it — by mail, phone or, for the first time, online.Today all residents are asked to fill out the form themselves and submit it — by mail, phone or, for the first time, online.
If only everyone would do it.If only everyone would do it.
A 2018 survey from the Census Bureau showed that fewer women than men intended to participate in the census. And it found that Hispanic, black and Asian-American women were even less likely than white women to say they’re “extremely likely” to participate, with Asian-American women the least certain about their intent to participate.A 2018 survey from the Census Bureau showed that fewer women than men intended to participate in the census. And it found that Hispanic, black and Asian-American women were even less likely than white women to say they’re “extremely likely” to participate, with Asian-American women the least certain about their intent to participate.
Researchers were troubled by the gender gap because census data is used to determine nearly $1 trillion in federal spending, including numerous services geared specifically toward women like grants for the prevention of gender-based violence, grants for the prevention of family violence and nutritional programs for women.Researchers were troubled by the gender gap because census data is used to determine nearly $1 trillion in federal spending, including numerous services geared specifically toward women like grants for the prevention of gender-based violence, grants for the prevention of family violence and nutritional programs for women.
That kicked off a campaign to encourage female participation in the census, including a video showing women of all racial backgrounds participating in the census and explaining its importance for federal funding and apportioning of congressional representatives.That kicked off a campaign to encourage female participation in the census, including a video showing women of all racial backgrounds participating in the census and explaining its importance for federal funding and apportioning of congressional representatives.
If women aren’t counted in the census, “the right benefits won’t be matched with the right people,” said Maria Olmedo-Malagon, who manages the 2020 Census Integrated Partnership and Communications office. “It’s important for so many women’s issues, like the health and nutrition of children and their paths out of cycles of domestic violence.”If women aren’t counted in the census, “the right benefits won’t be matched with the right people,” said Maria Olmedo-Malagon, who manages the 2020 Census Integrated Partnership and Communications office. “It’s important for so many women’s issues, like the health and nutrition of children and their paths out of cycles of domestic violence.”
In other words, participation means money — for day cares, hospitals, food services and more.In other words, participation means money — for day cares, hospitals, food services and more.
Dr. Yazmín García Trejo, a researcher for the bureau, said the findings came as a surprise to her team. Originally, they hypothesized that women would be more certain about their intent to fill out the census. Historically, women have participated at higher rates than men — in 1990, 57 percent of census respondents were female. It’s also possible that men say they’ll participate when surveyed, but leave the actual work of filling out the census form to women, Dr. García Trejo said.Dr. Yazmín García Trejo, a researcher for the bureau, said the findings came as a surprise to her team. Originally, they hypothesized that women would be more certain about their intent to fill out the census. Historically, women have participated at higher rates than men — in 1990, 57 percent of census respondents were female. It’s also possible that men say they’ll participate when surveyed, but leave the actual work of filling out the census form to women, Dr. García Trejo said.
One explanation for the gender gap, at least in the survey, may be something both simple and relatable: American women are busy.One explanation for the gender gap, at least in the survey, may be something both simple and relatable: American women are busy.
Dr. Catherine Harnois, a sociologist at Wake Forest University, said that women’s intent to fill out the census could be affected by their lack of discretionary hours in the day. Outside of their careers, she said, women working a “second shift” as family caregivers for children and the elderly may simply not have time. That may be compounded today by the pandemic — with children home from school and family members falling ill, many women feel as if they’re working multiple jobs.Dr. Catherine Harnois, a sociologist at Wake Forest University, said that women’s intent to fill out the census could be affected by their lack of discretionary hours in the day. Outside of their careers, she said, women working a “second shift” as family caregivers for children and the elderly may simply not have time. That may be compounded today by the pandemic — with children home from school and family members falling ill, many women feel as if they’re working multiple jobs.
“Even women interested in the census and knowledgeable about it might find the task getting pushed to the back burner,” Dr. Harnois said. “Especially in the current environment, with the complete reorganization of work and home life, and additional emotional stressors.”“Even women interested in the census and knowledgeable about it might find the task getting pushed to the back burner,” Dr. Harnois said. “Especially in the current environment, with the complete reorganization of work and home life, and additional emotional stressors.”
But Dr. Harnois sees census participation as especially important because so many aspects of citizenship historically excluded women, like voting and running for office. And she hopes that the more women participate, the more they’ll be able to push their communities to do the same.But Dr. Harnois sees census participation as especially important because so many aspects of citizenship historically excluded women, like voting and running for office. And she hopes that the more women participate, the more they’ll be able to push their communities to do the same.
Updated June 5, 2020Updated June 5, 2020
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
“Women are often community leaders, especially in disadvantaged populations, so they can encourage census participation more broadly,” Dr. Harnois said.“Women are often community leaders, especially in disadvantaged populations, so they can encourage census participation more broadly,” Dr. Harnois said.
That effort to reach disadvantaged communities was at the heart of the Census Bureau’s efforts this year. Typically, those who could benefit most from funding determined by the census were most likely to be missed, researchers said.That effort to reach disadvantaged communities was at the heart of the Census Bureau’s efforts this year. Typically, those who could benefit most from funding determined by the census were most likely to be missed, researchers said.
Dr. William O’Hare, a demographer who leads the nonprofit Count All Kids, said low-income women and children who live in other people’s households rather than their own might not realize that they’re supposed to fill out the census. That means their communities lose out on funding for day cares, school lunch programs and more, not to mention full representation in Congress.Dr. William O’Hare, a demographer who leads the nonprofit Count All Kids, said low-income women and children who live in other people’s households rather than their own might not realize that they’re supposed to fill out the census. That means their communities lose out on funding for day cares, school lunch programs and more, not to mention full representation in Congress.
“The kids who typically need it the most are the ones most likely to be undercounted,” he said.“The kids who typically need it the most are the ones most likely to be undercounted,” he said.
Today’s In Her Words is written by Emma Goldberg and edited by Francesca Donner. Our art director is Catherine Gilmore-Barnes, and our photo editor is Sandra Stevenson.Today’s In Her Words is written by Emma Goldberg and edited by Francesca Donner. Our art director is Catherine Gilmore-Barnes, and our photo editor is Sandra Stevenson.
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