Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – Parents in search of at-home educational activities for their children are invited to view the Union County Falcon Cam, an online livestream of the peregrine falcon nest located on the roof of the County Courthouse in midtown Elizabeth. The livestream is available free of charge on the County website, at ucnj.org/falcon.

“As a parent, I know it is difficult to keep children occupied, engaged, and cheerful during this challenging time,” said Union County Freeholder Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded. “The Falcon Cam provides an opportunity to step into the world of a truly fascinating bird, and follow along as a new generation is born.”

“The female – named Frida – laid her first egg this morning, and we expect she will lay more over the next few days,” Ms. Palmieri-Mouded explained.

The Union County Courthouse has hosted a nesting pair of falcons since 2006, partnering on preservation and educational programs with the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife, and with Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey.

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

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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.

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders advises residents that scam artists, fraudsters and price gougers are working overtime during the COVID-19 outbreak.

“The COVID-19 outbreak has handed scammers a golden opportunity to line their own pockets,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We can all protect ourselves, and each other, by staying informed and following a few simple guidelines for preventing fraud and scams.”

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has issued a series of consumer alerts relating to COVID-19, including fraudulent offers of health insurance. For more details visit the FTC online at fcc.gov/covid-scams.

Basic fraud prevention guidelines are:

• Never give out personal information over the phone. Government offices never ask for social security numbers by phone.
• Never open an unsolicited email or click on an unknown link in an email or text message.
• Check billing statements and other financial records regularly for suspicious charges.
• Ignore unsolicited mail, flyers, postcards or other printed material left at the door.
• Never answer the door for an unsolicited visitor. Government health agencies, such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, are not sending “inspectors” door-to-door.

In particular, residents are advised that health agencies, such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, are not sending “inspectors” door-to-door.

Fraud prevention experts warn that many schemes involve characteristic “red flags,” including:

• Offering a prize, a guaranteed investment, or other “free money.”
• Asking for money up front.
• Instructions to act quickly and not to tell anyone.
• No name, location, or website to verify.

In one common phone scam, a caller poses as a relative in trouble and asks for emergency money.

“These scammers often implore you to keep their situation a secret from other family members,” said Mirabella. “Don’t fall for it. Check with another family member if you are concerned.”

Union County residents can report suspected fraud to the Union County Office of Consumer Affairs. Online reporting is available at ucnj.org/public-safety, or call 908-654-9840. All voice mail is checked regularly.

Price gouging is illegal and can be reported to Union County or to the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs by filing a report online at njconsumeraffairs.gov or by calling 973-504-6240.

In addition, residents should be aware that articles, messages and advertisements for quack “cures” and unproven treatments have flooded social media, podcasts, and other online sources.

Commentary by persons posing as informed experts in both new and traditional media – print, television, and radio – can be another source of misinformation.

“Whether well intentioned or not, spreading misinformation about COVID-19 can have serious health consequences,” said Mirabella. “If you have any questions or concerns, the best source of advice is your own doctor.”

Mirabella also reminded residents who are experiencing symptoms to consult with their doctor regarding the Union County COVID-19 test center. The test center opened on March 23 and is available only through a doctor’s appointment and prescription.

All members of the public can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by staying at their own home, and suspending all non-essential visits or errands. Non-essential businesses are also under a statewide shutdown order.

For more information on COVID-19 prevention and protection, visit the Centers for Disease Control at cdc.gov/coronavirus.

For information about COVID-19 in New Jersey, including details on the statewide stay-at-home instructions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at covid19.nj.gov.

Residents with questions or concerns about COVID-19 can contact the New Jersey Department of Health by calling 211.

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

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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.

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Remote help will continue to be available

Union County, NJ — Starting Monday, March 23 at 11:00 a.m., the Union County Board of Elections will be available for remote assistance only. Voters and other Union County residents can reach the Board of Elections by email at ucboe@ucnj.org or by leaving a phone message at 908-527-4121. All email and phone messages will be returned.
 
“Amid the COVID-19 public health crisis, the Union County Board of Elections will be working remotely to ensure the health and safety of the public, and our staff and their families,” said Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado.
 
“I thank the public for their understanding and patience, and encourage everyone to heed the warnings of medical professionals,” she added.

For more information about the Union County Board of Elections, visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe.

For updates and information about all Union County services impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, visit online at ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

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Effective Monday, March 23, the Union County Surrogates office located in the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth will close to the public due to COVID 19.

For questions and/or concerns email sbadri@ucnj.org or send a fax to 908-351-9212.

For general information about COVID-19 call the New Jersey Department of Health at 800-222-1222 or 800-962-1253.

A toll free emotional support line is also available at 877-294-HELP (4357).

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

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, in conjunction with governmental, educational and healthcare partners,  have opened the state’s first County-run, drive-through facility for testing of the COVID-19 virus at Kean University.

The testing center is only for residents of Union County.

If you have a VALID PRESCRIPTION for Covid-19 testing please email COVID19TEST@UCNJ.ORG with the following information:

Your full name, home address, phone number, email address, gender, race, date of birth, photo of your script, the physician’s name, address and phone number and then you may directly go to our Union County Drive-Through Testing Center for COVID-19 at Kean University.

The testing Center is open Monday-Friday from 9 am – 5 pm. Please note that people with existing appointments will be seen first.

For the safety, health and security of the volunteers at the site, the testing location will not allow patients without vehicles to enter campus, even with a valid prescription and appointment. If you do not have your own transportation, please discuss with your healthcare provider before scheduling an appointment.

Also, if you believe you may have symptoms of COVID-19, there is a self-assessment tool that you should use that has been developed by the State of New Jersey. This tool will assist you to determine what actions you can take to protect you and your loved ones’ health and help determine whether you should be tested for COVID-19, and can be accessed at https://self.covid19.nj.gov/

The Union County COVID 19 drive-through facility is being run by the County through a partnership with the Overlook Medical Center (Atlantic Health System) in Summit, the Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth, and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJ Barnabas Health) in Rahway. The Freeholder Board, County Manager and his staff worked with State Senators Joseph P. Cryan, Nicholas P. Scutari, Governor Phil Murphy’s office, Kean University, and the New Jersey State Department of Health in bringing the facility online.

In support of local businesses that have closed their doors or significantly curtailed operations during the COVID-19 outbreak, the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders advises residents on ways to patronize local businesses within the precautionary guidelines recommended by health professionals.

“There are steps we can all take to help stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus, while continuing to ‘shop local’ in support of our local businesses and their employees,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Until a meaningful relief program comes from the federal government, let’s all pitch in and help.”

Social distancing is the primary strategy for halting the spread of COVID-19. Social distancing requires that people stay at least 6 feet away from others when outside of the home. With that in mind, suggestions for social distance shopping include:

• Purchase gift cards online or by phone to use later
• Buy takeout food from restaurants (call ahead for pickup)
• Order goods online or call for delivery
• Sign up for local online classes and programs
• Where available, pay now for manicures and other services to be used later

Other key strategies to avoid spreading or contracting COVID-19 and other infectious diseases include: wash hands frequently, avoid touching the face, stay away from sick people, and isolate oneself when sick.

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

Effective Monday, March 23rd, the Union County Surrogate’s office located in the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth will close to the public due to the COVID -19 public health emergency.

Any members of the public with inquiries can call the office at 908-527-4280, access the Surrogate’s website https://ucnj.org/surrogate/, email sbadri@ucnj.org or send a fax to 908-351-9212.

Union County, NJ – As the COVID-19 coronavirus continues to spread, the New Jersey Division of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing has developed a COVID-19 specific resource tool to help those who are deaf or hard of hearing to communicate with first responders and medical professionals regarding exposure to the COVID-19.

The attached flyer is a COVID-19 specific communication tool developed by New Jersey’s Division of Deaf & Hard of Hearing. With this, those that are deaf & hard of hearing can specify their symptoms, their recent travel (including location and means of transport) and how long they’ve been sick. The flyer should be shared with all those who may need it.

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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.

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Union County, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announced new procedures today for passport applicants and the submission of business due to concerns for the safety of customers and staff during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The County Clerk’s main passport office, located at the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth, will close at the end of business on Friday, March 20 and remain closed until further notice.

Passport services at the County Clerk’s annex office in Westfield have also been suspended.

“The United States Department of State announced this week that they have stopped all in-person service at their passport centers,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “Union County residents who wish to renew their passports may do so by mail. Directions are on the application form which can be downloaded at travel.state.gov.”

The Department of State will honor all expedited service of passports submitted prior to March 18 with two- to four-week service. Regular passport renewals and new passports will be delayed due to the COVID-19 outbreak.  In addition, a ban on all international travel has been announced by the State Department.

Persons requesting trade names, construction liens, clerks’ certificates and inheritance tax waivers are directed to mail their requests to the County Clerk for processing.  No in-person service will be conducted.

“I am appreciative of the cooperation of Union County residents during this challenging time,” Ms. Rajoppi said. “Our first priority is safety and health.”

Notaries who receive their commission during this time should be advised that the New Jersey Treasury Department has given assurance that the 90-day deadline to be sworn in will be extended.  Visit state.nj.us/treasury/revenue.

The County Clerk’s website will be updated as new advisories are issued. 

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Union County, NJ – Additional support services are available in Union County for residents who are experiencing anxiety or stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“If you need help, please do not hesitate to reach out to these community resources,” said Union County Freeholder Alexander Mirabella. “There are people ready to assist you with experienced, reliable guidance.”

“Union County has taken extraordinary measures to protect our residents and employees, and our first responders and other essential staff are working around-the-clock to fight against the spread of the virus,” added Mirabella. “Everyone in Union County can join the battle and help ‘flatten the curve’ by working together to shield each other from exposure.”

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control has advised that effective protective measures include maintaining social distance, washing hands frequently, covering coughs with a tissue or elbow, keeping hands away from face, staying away from sick people, and staying home when sick.

The following local, state, and national support services are available by telephone: 

24/7 Emergency Psychiatric Crisis Intervention Services

• Mobile Community Outreach for Adults: 908-994-7131
• Union County Mobile Response and Stabilization for Children: 1-877-652-7624
• RWJ University Hospital: 732-381-4200
• Overlook Hospital: 908-522-2000

Other 24/7 Crisis Services

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:  1-800-273-8255
• NJ HOPELINE (for emotional distress):1-855-654-6735
• Vet 2 Vet (for any New Jersey veteran): 1-866-838-7654
• Vets 4 Warriors (national — for any veteran who has served in war): 1-855-838-8255
• Substance Abuse (ReachNJ): 1-844-732-2465
• Cop 2 Cop (law enforcement officers) 1-866-267-2267

Assistance with Emotional Distress

• NJ Mental Health Cares: 1-866-202-4357 (8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
• The Peer Recovery WarmLine 1-877-292-5588 (8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
• Mom2Mom, for mothers with special needs children: 1-877-914-6662 (8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; or leave a message after hours for a call-back)
• Care2Caregiver, for family members caring for family member with memory loss, Alzheimer’s, dementia or a related disorder: 1-800-424-2494 (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
• Worker2Worker, for New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency employees: 1-855-327-7482 (8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
• NJ Peer Recovery: 1-833-422-2765 or TTY 711 (currently 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; will expand to 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. as of March 26)

Support for School Staff and Their Families

• Aid NJEA: 1-866-243-6532 (Monday-Thursday 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Friday 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.)

General Information about COVID-19

• New Jersey Department of Health: 1-800-222-1222 or 1-800-962-1253.
• New Jersey Poison Control Center in partnership with 211: 2-1-1 or 1-800-962-1253.
• Members of the public can also text questions to NJCOVID to 898-211, or receive live text assistance by texting their zip code to NJCOVID to 898-211.

Comprehensive information and guidance about COVID-19 is available online at nj.gov/health.

For updates on Union County cancellations and services that have been modified due to the outbreak, visit the County website at ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

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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.