Category: Public Info

The Test Center will shift from a drive-through service to a walk-up service as of Monday, May 17.

Union County, NJ – The Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University will be open to all Union County residents who would like to self-administer a free COVID-19 nasal swab test under the supervision of professional staff beginning on Monday, May 17.

The Test Center is located at the Kean campus in Union Township, at 1000 Morris Avenue. It currently operates on a drive-through basis only. The self-test program will enable residents to walk up. Free parking is available on site for those who plan to arrive by car.

“The pandemic is still upon us, and it is important to get a COVID-19 test if you believe you have been exposed to the virus, or to fulfill a requirement at work or school,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The self-administered test program provides a convenient resource to our residents, and we encourage everyone to take advantage of this free service.”

“The self-test is part of an evolving toolkit that aims to empower members of the public with resources and information about their health status during the pandemic. As the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, we continue to urge the public to be vigilant. Many people remain unvaccinated and are at risk of infection, or can spread infection to others,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados, Chair of the Commissioner Board’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee.

The Test Center hours of operation are Mondays and Thursdays, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Residents can make appointments for the self-administered test online through the Union County COVID-19 Test Center portal at ucnj.org/covid19/testing/drive-in-kean-location. To make an appointment by phone call 908-214-7107.

Union County residents can also use the Test Center without an appointment. Those without appointments must arrive before 11:30 a.m.

Please note that the Test Center will operate exclusively on a walk-up basis for self-administered tests as of Monday, May 17. The last day for drive-through service was Thursday, May 13.

The Commissioner Board also strongly encourages all Union County residents to get vaccinated. To receive a free COVID-19 vaccine at Union County’s vaccination clinics in Elizabeth, Union Township or Plainfield visit ucnj.org/vax.to make an appointment online, or call the Union County Call Center at 908-613-7VAX. The Call Center is open Monday through Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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.

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Webinar is one of two to be held in May in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month

Union County, NJ – The Union County Office on Behavioral Health & Substance Abuse, in partnership with Therapeutic Learning Connections presents “Parenting in a Post-Pandemic World”. This webinar will be held on Wednesday, May 19 at 6:00 p.m. Attendance is free but residents wishing to attend must pre-register.

“Both parents and their children have had to re-invent their relationships throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are proud to offer this and other programs that address the interactional challenges and mental health issues that have arisen due to this unprecedented health emergency, and we encourage residents to attend.”

The panel will be presented by Connie Palmer, LCSW from Therapeutic Learning Connections. Also on the agenda will be an introduction to the Union County Care Management Organization, F.A.C.T. (Families And Communities Together). F.A.C.T. is a Community-based care management service for families and children with serious behavioral health, substance abuse, or developmental issues.

Parents who attend this webinar will be able to:

• Identify Power Tools in the Parenting Toolbox
• Learn ways to help their child develop resilience
• Discuss the short- and long-term impact of the pandemic on their child or teen

This event is free and those wishing to attend can register by visiting:  https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uBtcrWCiR_GbMyOg7yc9ow

For more information about this event and other services, residents can contact Marilucy Lopes, Director of the Office on Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse at 908-527-4846 or Marilucy.Lopes@ucnj.org. OBHSA is part of the Division of Individual and Family Support Services within the Union County Department of Human Services. For more information, visit: https://ucnj.org/departments/human-services/.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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.

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that Tito Puente Jr. and his 10-piece Latin band will be bringing their unique blend of salsa music and Latin rhythms to Kean University in Union Township at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 22.

This event will also feature an opening act, a local 6 piece Latin and salsa band, the Mike Ramirez Band.

The free drive-in event is part of Union County’s seasonal series of outdoor concerts. The drive-in format has been adopted during the pandemic in order to help prevent the virus from spreading.

“Tito Puente Jr. is well known for his energy, enthusiasm, and passion for sharing Latin rhythms, and we are excited to bring this dynamic performer to the Union County community,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Tito Puente, Jr. is the son of Grammy-winning legend, Tito Puente, who was widely known as an American musician, songwriter, and record producer in the genres of Latin Jazz, Afro-Cuban Jazz, Mambo, and Salsa.

“These concerts provide our residents with a way to relax, enjoy, and unwind in a safe setting that protects public health. As part Latino growing up, my home was always alive with music including the sounds of Tito Puente. I am extremely excited to relive those memories with Tito Puente Jr. and his band,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados.

The event is free but registration is required online in advance to reserve a spot. Reservations will be available to the public beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, May 14 on the County website at ucnj.org/reserve.

Please note that space is limited and reservations are on a first come, first served basis.

Food and drinks will not be available for purchase, but attendees may bring their own refreshments. Alcohol is strictly prohibited.

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 guidelines regarding social distancing and other protocols. To help promote social distancing, no walk-ups, bikes, or chairs are permitted. Vehicles will be arranged at least 6 feet apart with adequate social distancing.

Port-o-johns will be available. Masks will be required when using the port-o-johns. Attendees must stay in their vehicles (unless they need to use the port-o-johns).

Further details will be available to residents upon reserving tickets.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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.

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Expansion of eligibility for younger residents to take effect immediately

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners announces that the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is has now been approved for 12 to 15 year olds in New Jersey.

Union County residents ages 12 and older can now make an appointment to receive the Pfizer vaccine at two vaccine centers administered by the County, by visiting www.ucnj.org/vax or by calling the Union County COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center at 908-613-7VAX.

“Expansion of eligibility to our younger residents is a big step toward the success of the vaccination program,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “With the likelihood of schools reopening in the fall, it is paramount that we protect our children, along with their families and teachers. We encourage all residents who are now eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine to schedule an appointment to be vaccinated as soon as possible.”

Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is Chair of the County’s Public Safety Committee that is overseeing the County’s COVID-19 response, added: “The approval of the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 12 and older provides a new segment of the population the opportunity to be vaccinated. As we continue to see pandemic restrictions lifted and work towards a path to re-open America, vaccinating our youth brings us one step closer to turning the corner safely as we return to going about our daily lives.”

The Pfizer vaccine is currently administered at the Union County Vaccination Center located at Dunn Sports Center in Elizabeth.

Starting on May 22, the Union County Vaccination Center at Plainfield High School will also begin exclusively administering the Pfizer vaccine.

Children that are ages 12 and older must bring a birth certificate or other form of identification to their vaccine appointment. They must also be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

In addition, the Union County Vaccine Center at Kean University in Union Township is continuing to administer the Moderna vaccine to all residents ages 18 and up. Please note that the Moderna vaccine is not currently approved for people under 18 years of age. To make an appointment at Kean for the Moderna vaccine for any person age 18 and up, visit www.ucnj.org/vax or call 908-613-7VAX.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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.

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Union County, NJ – The Board of County Commissioners invites residents to the annual Union County Portuguese Flag raising ceremony in commemoration of the Day of Portugal, Camões and the Communities. The event will take place on Thursday, June 10 at 4:00 p.m. in front of the Union County Court House, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth. The event is free for all to attend.

The event is being co-sponsored by the Portuguese American Leadership Council of the United States (PALCUS). PALCUS is a national non-profit based in the Washington D.C. area with a defined mission to be the national voice that advocates for and promotes the advancement of the Portuguese-American community economically, professionally, culturally and politically.

“Union County is home to over 18,000 Portuguese-Americans,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “The Commissioner Board is proud to acknowledge the contributions of this very active and hard-working community to our county over the years, by once again flying the Portuguese flag over the County Seat.”

“Our County is made stronger by its diversity and inclusion,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados. “As a Commissioner of Portuguese descent, I am especially proud of the accomplishments of the Portuguese-American community across the country and especially within Union County. This flag raising brings together our Portuguese Community at a time when we are slowly and safely returning to our annual traditions and celebrations, giving us a chance to once again showcase our hard work, pride and unity.”

The flag-raising will include a short speaking program as well as the singing of both “The Star Spangled Banner” as well as “A Portuguesa,” the national anthem of Portugal.

“PALCUS is grateful to once again co-sponsor the annual Portuguese Flag raising in Union County,” said PALCUS Vice-Chair and Union County resident, Katherine Soares. “We strive to give a voice to the 1.34 million Portuguese-Americans in the United States. Events such as these are yet another form of allowing them to be heard.”

For more information, please contact Katherine Soares from the Union County Office of Communications and Public Information at katherine.soares@ucnj.org.

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners invites residents and businesses to join a virtual Public Meeting for the Union County Truck Mobility Study beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 26.

The meeting will be held on Zoom. To receive the Zoom link, use the Union County registration page online at https://bit.ly/2QalwpT.

Registration by phone is also available by calling 301-715-8592. The webinar ID is 821 6764 8807 and the password is 501348.

“Public input is an important part of the Truck Mobility Study, as our roadways serve many different needs,” said Commissioner Chairman, Alexander Mirabella. “We encourage all residents and employers in Union County to participate and contribute their insights and concerns.”

“As the Union County economy continues to grow, we are constantly seeking new ways to improve road safety, convenience, and accessibility for residents, workers, visitors, and employers. This Public Meeting helps to give everyone in our diverse community an opportunity to make a contribution,” said Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, who is the County Trustee for the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority.

The two-year Truck Mobility Study has looked at how and where trucks move along the County’s 174-mile roadway network, in order to identify locations with existing bottlenecks and safety concerns. A goal is to balance the needs of these larger vehicles with those of other vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians.

From an initial list of 35 sites, the Study Team has identified ten locations of primary concern. The Public Meeting will feature a presentation of concepts for improving these locations.

The Truck Mobility Study is conducted through the Division of Strategic Planning and Bureau of Transportation Planning in the County Department of Economic Development. For questions or more information regarding the Union County Truck Mobility Study contact Liza Betz, Bureau of Transportation at 908 558 2273 or email at ebetz@ucnj.org.

The Union County Truck Mobility is funded by the North Jersey Transportation Authority and the Union County Board of County Commissioners.

Additional details about the study are available on the project web page, ucnj.org/truck-study.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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.

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Amazon is offering $15/hour and up; benefits available to full time employees

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce that Union County’s American Job Center will be holding a virtual hiring event with Amazon on Tuesday, May 18, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Amazon is filling positions for hourly employment at its warehouse locations in Linden, Carteret, Avenel and Somerset. The work involves selecting, packing and shipping customer orders.

“During the pandemic we have maintained our commitment to connecting Union County job seekers with top employers in our area. The virtual format helps prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, and it also saves the applicants time and money on transportation,” said Union County Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“The virtual format builds on our continued efforts to place qualified Union County residents with high quality employers in our region,” said Union County Commissioner and Liaison to the Workforce Development Board, Sergio Granados. “We also join with Amazon in encouraging all residents to get vaccinated and take advantage of new opportunities to work and build a career as the economy recovers from the pandemic.”

The available positions pay $15 per hour and up.

In addition, health benefits are available to full time employees starting on their first day of work. Other benefits include a flexible schedule, paid time off and tuition assistance.

Interested candidates must pre-register through Eventbrite to attend the hiring event, by visiting eventbrite.com/e/amazonamericna-job-center-virtual-info-session-tickets-153212587975?aff=Amazon1

The American Job Center is a division of the Union County Department of Human Services with offices in Elizabeth and Plainfield. The American Job Center also manages the Union County Works online portal for job seekers and employers, ucajc.org.

For more information visit ucnj.org/departments/human-services/american-job-center.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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.

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Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners is pleased to recognize 55 women with the 2021 Union County SHero Award. The award is administered by the Union County Office on Women, and was created to help raise awareness about the contributions of women in Union County during the COVID-19 crisis.

“This award recognizes women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to their community during a history-making crisis,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The 55 women recognized by the 2021 SHero Awards were selected based on nominations submitted to the Office on Women.

The following residents have been recognized with a 2021 SHero Award:

• Donna Aflalo, Berkeley Heights
• Marie Avagliano, Summit
• Kim Baglieri, Clark
• Kisha Belton Chubb, Plainfield
• Pam Bonifacio, Elizabeth
• Pamela Brug, Westfield
• Jessica Cohen, Elizabeth
• Sally Corvinus, Clark
• Jennifer Costa, Elizabeth
• Elaine Coupe, Scotch Plains
• Katie Darcy, Summit
• Susan DeLuise, New Providence
• Bonnie Diaz, CDS, Clark
• Nancy DiLiegro, Elizabeth
• Zenaida Downey, Linden
• Vikki Drake, Cranford
• NJ Sews In Unity, Face-Mask Making Group, Linden
• Michele Ford, Roselle
• Krishna Garlic, Elizabeth
• Gloria (Anny) Garris, Rahway
• Yelena Horré, Linden
• Kristin Imbimbo, Clark
• Linda Karlovitch, Kenilworth
• Eileen Kelly, Roselle Park
• Kristen Koehler, EdD, Rahway
• Lori Kowalski, Clark
• Antonietta LaVecchia, Summit
• Barbara Maher, Rahway, NJ
• Mary McTigue, Elizabeth
• Deana Mesaros, Linden
• Phyllis Mirabella, Fanwood Borough
• Diane Moore-Pender, Plainfield
• Rebecca Morales Tantillo, Cranford
• Kathleen Ollen, Cranford
• Danie Orelien Armstead, Linden
• Pam Palmieri, Fanwood
• Amanda Parrish Block, Summit
• Amy, Radick Mountainside
• Carmela Resnick, Scotch Plains
• Jaheedah Roane, M.D., Rahway
• Adrienne Robertiello, Scotch Plains
• Nilda Rosario, Linden
• Carmen Salavarietta, Plainfield
• Michelle Salermo, Elizabeth
• Mansi Sanghvi, Linden
• Cindy Torres, Elizabeth
• Gayle Turner, Kenilworth
• Lauren Twombly, Mountainside
• Juanita Vargas, Elizabeth
• Debra Varnerin, Berkeley Heights
• Coral Venturino, Westfield
• Dahlia Vertreese, Hillside
• Lawanna Wade, Hillside
• Amy Wagner, Berkeley Heights
• Christina Wilson, Rahway

All SHero awardees will receive a certificate and will be featured on the Union County Office on Women’s webpage at https://ucnj.org/shero-award/.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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.

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By Alexander Mirabella

Chairman, Union County Board of Commissioners

May is Military Appreciation Month and the Union County Board of Commissioners is committed to connecting our veterans and military families with helpful services.

Over the past year, we have expanded our outreach with several new programs.

We now have designated parking spaces at of our County facilities, for all Union County Veterans who display a Union County Veterans parking placard in their vehicle. To view a list of the locations and submit an application for a free placard, please visit ucnj.org/uc-hero.

In support of our LGBTQ veterans and active military residents, we have also partnered with our Office of LGBTQ Affairs, to address specific concerns and issues. We offer services for VA disability issues, military discharge upgrades, medical benefits, education resources, housing assistance, and employment/training resources.

In partnership with the PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) program, the County will be offering free golf lessons to Veterans starting May 25. Learning and playing the game of golf has proven to provide Veterans with positive social experiences that can assist with assimilation into the community after service. To sign up or learn more information about this program, please visit ucnj.org/uc-hero.

We also reach out on a regular basis through The Veterans Bulletin, the official newsletter of the Union County Office of Veterans Services. The bulletin details all programs and services that are available to Veterans and active military members in Union County, as well as highlighting important issues during the designated month. Please visit ucnj.org/uc-hero for online viewing or to join the mailing list.

As a reminder, Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi provides honorable discharge identification cards to veterans at no charge. If you have any questions or need additional assistance with this process, you can call the County Clerk’s office or contact Janna Williams, Accredited Veteran Service Coordinator for the Office of Veterans Services, at (908) 527-4918 or jwilliams@ucnj.org.

Finally, as is our tradition, later this month we will be distributing American flags to be placed on Veterans’ graves in honor of Memorial Day. Last year we continued this tradition safely during the pandemic, with more than 30,000 flags placed by dozens of volunteers.

This year, it is with renewed appreciation and respect that we visit the final resting places of our military veterans, who gave their lives to ensure the peace, safety, and security of our nation. May we all honor their sacrifice by doing our best to ensure that the light of democracy continues to shine throughout the world.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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.

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County plans to go door-to-door to reach unvaccinated residents throughout County, will set up mobile popup clinics and partner with community groups

UNION COUNTY, NJ—-In an effort to ensure that as many county residents are vaccinated as possible, the Union County Board of Commissioners today announced a door to door campaign aimed at reaching the unvaccinated that will begin at the end of May throughout the County.

The announcement is part of a comprehensive outreach plan that involves a transition to a new pre-registration system that is now online at www.ucnj.org/vax, mobile vaccination clinics, partnerships with hospitals, churches and community-based organizations, and efforts to vaccinate both the young and elderly population segments and under vaccinated urban communities.  Vaccination appointments are currently available to anyone wishing to get one.

“We are targeting under-vaccinated communities in an effort to reach herd immunity,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “While many people who wanted a vaccine have already received one, there are still many in certain population segments and urban communities that we will reach out to vaccinate.”

Commissioner Sergio Granados, who is Chair of the County’s Public Safety Committee that is overseeing the County’s COVID-19 response, added: “Our plan is to target residents in their own neighborhoods.  We will eventually begin a door to door effort to ask, educate and register residents at home, with a ‘pop up’ or mobile clinic the following day or two in their neighborhood. We are taking a community-wide approach and building partnerships that will boost our vaccination numbers.”

The outreach plan is as follows:

• The County is partnering with area hospitals, churches, schools, community organizations and youth groups to build lists and target anyone who doesn’t have a vaccination;
• The County’s Vaccination Call Center is calling Union County residents in under vaccinated areas to see if they’ve received a vaccination;
• A new registration system is now in place for the Dunn Center and Plainfield vaccination clinics, as well as mobile walk-up clinics, at www.ucnj.org/vax. Eventually all vaccinations will be transitioned online to the same system.
• The County also began its vaccination program for homebound residents several weeks ago and has been vaccinating the homeless for the past several months;
• The County is working with Union County College and Kean University to vaccinate staff and students at the County’s vaccination center at Downs Hall, Kean University in Union;
• At the end of May, the County is seeking to launch a door to door campaign and within a few days, launch a mobile vaccination clinic in the area to serve residents. Some of the areas that are being targeted include: Elizabeth, Plainfield, Roselle, Linden and Hillside.

A little more than 45 percent of all Union County residents have received at least one vaccination, while about 34 percent have been fully vaccinated. Some suburban communities have vaccination rates nearing 80 percent, while a number of urban areas throughout are under 50 percent.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, vaccination information, emergency food distribution and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through 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.

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