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Union County COVID-19 Test Center to surpass 3,000 tests since opening – Center became first county-run facility to open on March 23rd

The Union County COVID-19 Center will surpass its 3,000th test today since opening approximately two weeks ago on March 23rd.

The facility is located at Kean University in Union and is managed through Union County, and is staffed by medical personnel, volunteers, first responders and Union County employees. Testing is free.

“This is a milestone, given all the challenges and adverse conditions we faced in setting up the Union County Covid-19 Test Center,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We hope to continue to provide this invaluable, potentially life-saving service as often and as long as warranted.”

The Union County Covid-19 Test Center has expanded its operations, and has been open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The center is now testing over 400 people a day, with 59 percent testing positive for the COVID-19 virus.

The testing center in Union County has been regarded as a model around the state, outpacing FEMA sites with the largest volume of tests performed, highest clinical standards and most efficient burn rate for personal protective equipment in New Jersey.

The center is available to Union County residents who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. First responders and front-line health workers who are experiencing symptoms can also contact the center, regardless of their place of residence.

Union County residents with COVID-19 symptoms who wish to be tested should call 908-214-7107. First responders and front-line health workers may also call 908-373-5105. 

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

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.  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.