Statistics Estonia’s interviewers to start in-home interviews again
Statistics Estonia will resume in-home interviews to collect data for personal surveys. Each week, the spread of COVID-19 in counties will be assessed, and interviewers will visit homes only if the incidence of COVID-19 is medium or low according to the data of the Health Board.
Epp Karus, the head of the Interviewers Network Department of Statistics Estonia, said that in resuming home visits the statistical agency will follow the Health Board guidelines and the overview of COVID-19 by counties, which is published at the beginning of each week. “We are continuously monitoring the situation, and home visits will first be scheduled by phone. We’ll meet respondents only if the incidence of COVID-19, calculated on the basis of the indicators of the Health Board, is medium or low in the county,” said Karus.
The first surveys for which Statistics Estonia is prepared to start in-home interviews are the Survey of Adult Skills (PIAAC) and the European Social Survey (ESS). Statistics Estonia will offer respondents the option to meet outside the home, for example, in the office of Statistics Estonia or outdoors.
“We continue to recommend that in the case of surveys where it is possible to respond online or on the phone, people use that option. These days, the information offered by surveys is especially valuable, showing how the difficult times have affected people and the economy. The answers of each person selected for a survey are very important to us,” added Karus.
All of the interviewers of Statistics Estonia have completed a training on COVID-19 safety measures organised by the Health Board. Interviewers will not be allowed to work if they themselves or their household members have symptoms of illness or feel unwell. Interviewers who themselves or whose family members have been in close contact during the last ten days with a person infected with COVID-19 will not meet respondents.
During a home visit, interviewers will keep safe distance with respondents, use personal protective equipment and disinfectants and suggest that respondents use these as well. Interviewers can regularly take COVID-19 rapid tests.
For further information:
Kadri Kütt
Media Relations Manager
Marketing and Dissemination Department
Statistics Estonia
Tel +372 625 9181