BLS COVID-19 Questions and Answers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in coordination with agencies across the federal government, continues to monitor the impacts of the COVID-19 virus, also known as novel coronavirus. BLS is committed to producing and distributing gold-standard data while also keeping the public, our employees, and our partners at the U.S. Census Bureau safe.

This page will be updated as needed.

An Open Letter to Survey Respondents from Commissioner William Beach

Are there changes in operations at BLS in response to COVID-19?

The Office of Management and Budget has issued guidance encouraging maximum telework flexibilities for federal employees, so many BLS employees are working remotely—maintaining the highest level of service.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

Existing communications channels (phone, email, internet) continue to operate as normal during this period.

Will data releases be delayed?

BLS intends to release all data on our normal schedule as announced on the BLS release calendar.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on BLS programs

Employment and Unemployment Statistics

• The Employment Situation for May 2020
• The Employment Situation for April 2020
• The Employment Situation for March 2020
• Current Employment Statistics Survey
• Current Population Survey
• Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey
• Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages
• Local Area Unemployment Statistics
• American Time Use Survey
• Employment Projections

Price Indexes

• Consumer Price Index
• U.S. Import and Export Price Indexes
• Producer Price Index

Productivity and Costs Statistics

• Quarterly Productivity and Costs
• Productivity and Costs for Industries and States
• Multifactor Productivity Trends

Workplace Injuries and Illnesses, Compensation, and Occupational Requirements Statistics

• Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses
• Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries
• Employment Cost Index
• Employer Costs for Employee Compensation
• Occupational Requirements Survey

How could COVID-19 affect BLS data collection?

BLS employs a wide variety of collection methods for its surveys. Much of the data, particularly from businesses, are collected online and through telephone interviews. Some data, however, are collected in person. For data that are typically collected in person, we are limiting in-person collection and focusing on phone, email, and internet.

Will BLS predict any impacts from COVID-19?

BLS does not make predictions about labor market data that we produce and distribute.

Will visiting researchers be allowed in the building?

Although BLS headquarters in Washington, D.C., is open, the Office of Management and Budget has issued guidance encouraging maximum telework flexibilities for federal employees. BLS has suspended access to restricted microdata until support staff are available to assist external researchers in the Postal Square Building. BLS will allow for extensions of data access agreements should support staff be unavailable for an extended period.

Last Modified Date: June 11, 2020