Coronavirus: Remainder of Qatar census 2020 suspended

Tribune News NetworkDohaThe remainder of Qatar's 2020 census, which seeks to systematically count every person living in Qatar, has been suspended in view of the "exceptional circumstances" caused by the coronavirus outbreak in the country, the Planning and Statistics Authority said in a tweet on Wednesday.In Qatar, the census is conducted at least once every 10 years and whenever necessary. The 2020 census was endorsed by the Council of Ministers in 2017.The 2020 count will be based mainly on the administrative records of various government agencies in Qatar and will provide critical data that lawmakers, business owners and many others use to provide daily services, products, and support for the public. Every year, billions of riyals in national funding go to hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources based on census data.The Planning and Statistics Authority had also launched an electronic service for the 2020 census.