Category: Public Info

Updated May 4th

Expanded telemedicine procedure introduced in response to statewide need.

Union County, NJ – In order to help key emergency personnel get a COVID-19 test as quickly as possible, the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University is now available to first responders and certain health care workers in New Jersey, regardless of their place of work or residence.

Those covered by the new procedures are: fire fighters, police officers, EMTs, 911 tele-communicators, Medical Reserve Corps members, all hospital employees, staff at long term care facilities and nursing homes, and home health aides.

The expanded service is in response to limited availability of testing statewide.

“Union County is taking this extraordinary statewide measure to support emergency personnel in New Jersey, so those who need a test can get one without any further delay,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Beginning today, first responders and certain health care workers in New Jersey seeking a COVID-19 test, regardless of residence, can follow these steps:

1. Call the Union County Test Center at 908-373-5105 or 908-214-7107. (no walk-ins are admitted).
2. Discuss symptoms by phone with a triage nurse. The nurse will schedule an appointment at the Test Center for patients who meet guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control.
3. Persons with an appointment can proceed to the Testing Center at their scheduled time (no doctor visit or prescription is required).

In addition to first responders and certain health workers, all Union County residents with COVID-19 symptoms can call the Test Center at 908-373-5105 or 908-214-7107. and follow the same telemedicine process.

“The Test Center serves every patient who meets the CDC guidelines, even if they have no health insurance or personal doctor. COVID-19 knows no barriers, and our response to the crisis must be barrier-free as well,” Mirabella emphasized.

“The Test Center has also become a vital emergency response asset on a broader level,” he added. “By performing scores of triage interviews daily, it enables doctors in our community to focus more attention on treating patients.”

The Test Center is located at the Kean University Campus on Morris Avenue in Union Township. It is open Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Test Center is available on a drive-through basis only. Testing is free.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

 For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health/cd/topics/covid2019.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

The Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University implements a new “telehealth” procedure for persons seeking a COVID-19 test.

Updated May 4th

Beginning March 30th, Union County residents, as well as all first responders and health workers working in the county regardless of residence, can report symptoms and schedule testing by calling 908-214-7107.

“From the beginning of this pandemic, we have been working tirelessly to make sure we test everyone who desperately needs tests regardless of their accessibility to primary care. By allowing all residents to call one central number we will relieve the barrier to care and free up our health care professionals to serve even more clients,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

Patients who call 908-214-7107 will be connected to a nurse who will triage and assess symptoms over the phone. Appointments will be scheduled for patients that meet the Centers for Disease Control guidelines.

Persons receiving an appointment can proceed to the Testing Center at their scheduled time. No other primary care doctor prescription is required.

Please note that Union County residents who previously registered at the Testing Center and have already submitted a prescription may proceed as instructed.

“We began this process in great partnership with the healthcare community. We know that as time goes on the burden on our doctors will only grow. Union County wants to do our part by using telehealth capabilities to triage patients so doctors can focus on the care their patients will need to get well after diagnosis,” said Chairman Mirabella.

The Test Center is located at the Kean University Campus on Morris Avenue in Union Township.

Regular weekday hours for the Test Center are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Test Center is available on a drive-through basis only. Testing is free.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

In order to reduce the spread of COVID-19, affiliation changes will only be processed by mail. No in-person transactions are being conducted at this time.

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Elections reminds voters who plan to change their party affiliation that they must do so by April 8, in order to participate in their new party’s Presidential Primary Election on June 2.

“Voters often do not realize that the deadline to change their affiliation is set long before Primary Day,” said Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado. “If you plan to change parties ahead of the June 2, 2020 Presidential Primary, please be aware that party declaration changes must be received by the Election Board by April 8.”

The Union County Board of Elections is currently working remotely. Voters who wish to process changes to their party affiliation can do so only by mail at this time as an original signature is required.

Voters with questions, or who need a form mailed to them can call 908-527-4121 and leave a message for a return call.

Voters may also email ucboe@ucnj.org for a prompt reply.

Voters may also download a form by visiting https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/forms-party-affiliation/party-affiliation-form.pdf for an English form.

Forms in Spanish are available at:  https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/forms-party-affiliation/party-affiliation-form-spanish.pdf.

Completed forms with original signatures can be mailed to: Union County Board of Elections, 271 North Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07208.

The Board of Elections advises voters that visitors to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Office often may inadvertently change their party affiliation during their transaction, and may not have even noticed it. Calling the Board of Elections is the best way for voters ensure they are ready to vote for their party’s presidential nominee.

The April 8 deadline does not apply to voters who are currently unaffiliated. Unaffiliated voters may declare their party when they vote on June 2. Unaffiliated voters who vote by mail will have an opportunity to declare their affiliation as they receive a ballot for each party, and should return only the ballot for the party affiliation they are declaring.

For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe, call 908-527-4121 or email at ucboe@ucnj.org.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

This press release and its information are outdated. View updated press release.

Families and residents of all ages are invited to take part in a variety of nature and science themed activities designed to keep them entertained while practicing social distancing at home to help flatten the curve of virus transmission. 

“Studies have shown that immersing oneself in nature helps to ease anxiety and reduce stress levels,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “During these difficult times, families can use the resources and activities provided to go outside and get some fresh air while also learning about the natural world right in their own backyard.” 

Among the suggested activities, families are encouraged to become citizen scientists. Activities include starting a nature journal, learning to identify backyard birds by sight and sound and participating in science projects. Printable pages are included with activities for younger children such as a backyard scavenger hunt, coloring pages and simple eco-crafts to create with everyday items from your home.

Online resources are also available for families to share their findings and connect with other nature lovers throughout Union County. Activities can be found online at ucnj.org/trailside.

On the Trailside website, residents will find several links provided for nature observers to view live animal webcams, including Union County’s own Falcon Cam. Families can view video feeds of a variety of wildlife courtesy of zoos and wildlife organizations across the country. 

Residents are also invited to take nature photos in their backyards and send their favorites to trailside@ucnj.org along with the town they live in and their age for a chance to be posted on Union County’s website.

Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. 

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds all residents to maintain precautions against spreading or contracting the COVID-19 coronavirus in Union County parks.

“COVID-19 does not disappear outdoors,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Members of the public who visit County parks must continue to protect themselves and others from contracting this deadly disease. Let’s all remain vigilant and look out for one another as we work through this challenging time together.”

People can carry the virus without symptoms and infect others, whether indoors or outside. Park visitors must maintain a safe “social distance” of six feet apart from others in order to reduce the risk of spreading or contracting COVID-19.

In accordance with statewide stay-at-home regulations ordered by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy on March 21, individual activities like walking, jogging, and bicycling are permitted in Union County parks. Activities with immediate family members, caretakers, household members, or romantic partners are also permitted.

Other gatherings and group activities are prohibited. Visitors are advised to avoid congested areas. When using pathways and trails give way to others, in order to maintain a six-foot distance.

All restrooms in Union County parks are closed in order to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. Visitors should plan ahead and use facilities at home.

Playgrounds, dog parks, and other recreation areas in County parks are closed in order to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, including golf courses and the Trailside Museum & Science Center among other facilities.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

Park visitors please note: Stay on marked trails in order to preserve fragile native habitat in County parks. The taking of plants and other wildlife is prohibited. Share paved paths by keeping to the right unless passing others. Bicycles are permitted only on paved paths. Dogs must be kept on leash. All trash must be carried out where receptacles are full or unavailable. 

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Division of Social Services has adjusted the hours of operation for its Elizabeth and Plainfield offices effective immediately, for Union County residents seeking assistance with food, shelter, and Medicaid health care.

Assistance is available in Spanish and English.

Until further notice, the new hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The offices are closed on Fridays.

In order to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, residents are encouraged to conduct business with the two offices by phone:

Elizabeth Office: 908-965-2700.

Plainfield Office: 908-791-7000.

As needed, in-person service is also available at both offices:

Elizabeth Office: 242 Westminster Avenue.

Plainfield Office: 200 West Second Street.

Visitors must observe recommended guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Any documents on paper may be submitted by drop box, located in the lobbies of both offices.

Members of the public with other questions can call the Union Department of Human Services Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288, and leave a voice message in Spanish or English.

The phones monitored and voice messages are returned during Action Line hours, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Questions can also be emailed to the Action Line at DHSaction@ucnj.org.

For additional information and updates on all Department of Human Services programs during the COVID-19 outbreak, including mental health and family crisis resources visit online at ucnj.org/departments/human-services.

Updates on all Union County services impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak are available online at ucnj.org.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Members of the public may watch remotely

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders will convene as scheduled on Thursday, March 26. To maintain strict precautions for preventing the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, the meeting will be conducted remotely.

The remote meeting will be conducted through Facebook Live beginning with the Agenda Setting Meeting at 6:30 p.m. on March 26. The Regular Meeting will also be held on Facebook Live, directly following the Agenda Meeting.

Members of the public may view the meeting by livestream at ucnj.org/freeholders.

Any member of the public wishing to participate in the meeting, can do so by emailing comments relative to resolutions being offered for adoption and/or on any governmental issue that a member of the public feels may be of concern to the residents of the county to the Clerk of the Board at jpellettiere@ucnj.org. Agendas are posted for the public’s viewing on the County’s official website at: www.ucnj.org/freeholders.  All relevant emails will be read into the record during the March 26, 2020 Regular Meeting and will be addressed accordingly by the Board. All emails must be submitted and received by the Clerk of the Board no later than noon on Thursday, March 26, 2020, and as is always the case for the record, must include full name and town of residence.