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County Announces Free COVID-19 Mobile Unit Testing January 21

Saliva tests to be offered in Clark

covid19 test flyer

UNION COUNTY – The Union County Board of Commissioners informs all residents that the Union County Mobile Test Unit will provide free COVID-19 saliva tests on Thursday, January 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Oak Ridge Park, located at 136 Oak Ridge Road in Clark.

No car is required and no appointment is necessary. All sites are available on a walk-up basis.

“Testing has been a cornerstone in our fight against COVID-19 and we encourage all Union County residents to use this free, convenient service,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Even if you have no symptoms of illness, it is important to get tested if you feel that you may have been exposed to the virus by someone else, or are at risk of exposing others.”

Any County resident can use any of the walk-up sites. Masks and social distance are required at all times.

For more details and to view the most updated schedule online visit ucnj.org/walkup, or call 908-214-7107 for assistance.

The Mobile Test Unit also visits locations such as senior residence buildings to provide on-site testing for vulnerable populations and other groups.

Municipal governments, non-profit organizations and community groups can request a visit by calling the Union County Office of Emergency Management at 908-654-9881.

Residents are urged to continue observing precautions against spreading the virus, including wearing a face mask, maintaining social distance, and washing hands frequently.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and a list of locations for walk-up tests, 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.

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Union County Commissioners Announce Three COVID-19 Emergency Food Distributions for January

Produce will be distributed on a first come-first served basis at a drive-up event Scotch Plains, a drive-up/walk-up event in Roselle and a walk-up in Plainfield

emergency food distribution flyer    emergency food distribution flyer    emergency food distribution flyer    emergency food distribution flyeremergency food distribution flyer emergency food distribution flyer

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Commissioners will hold three food distributions events for Union County residents to aid those affected by COVID-19 in the month of January.

  • Saturday, January 23 – 8:30 a.m. – Union County Vocational Technical School, 1776 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains – Drive-up only
  • Tuesday, January 26 – 10:00 a.m. – Gerald B. Green Plaza, 200 W. 2nd Street, Plainfield – Walk-up only
  • Saturday, January 30 – 8:30 a.m., Warinanco Park (Skating Rink), Roselle – Drive- up and Walk-up. Residents should use the Park Avenue entrance.

The food distributions are open to all Union County residents. Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and no registration is required. The events will take place rain or shine.

The food distribution is being coordinated by the County of Union with support from Village Supermarket and Gargiulo Produce.

“Food distributions have become a lifeline for our residents during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are proud to be able to continue providing this valuable resource in 2021 to our residents.”

“Residents continue to face unprecedented levels of unemployment, housing issues and food insecurity and we are working hard to help everyone put food on their table,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “We thank Village Supermarket and Gargiulo Produce for their partnership in this effort.”

Residents wishing to pick up food at Union County Vocational Technical School must arrive in a vehicle. Walk-ups will not be accommodated in Scotch Plains.

Residents picking up food at the Roselle distribution can arrive in a car or walk-up to the distribution site at Warinanco Park.

Walk-up recipients in Roselle and Plainfield must wear masks at all times and maintain social distance.  Walk-up recipients should bring a cart or be able to carry several food bags at the walk-up area.

Upon arrival, proof of New Jersey residency and indicate how many people reside in teir household will have to be provided. Recipients will receive an emergency box of produce, dairy and shelf stable food, with enough to sustain a family for several days. Please note that only one box of food will be provided per vehicle or walk-up recipient at each distribution event.

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders, regarding social distancing and other protocols. All drive-up recipients must remain in their cars with windows rolled up at all times, otherwise masks are required. Food boxes will be placed in the trunk or truck bed of the vehicle by volunteers.

For questions and more information, residents may call the UCDHS Director’s Action Line at 888-845-3434 or 908-558-2288.

To learn more about the Village Super Market, visit: https://www.myvillagesupermarket.com.

To learn more about Gargiulo Produce, visit: http://www.gargiuloproduce.com.

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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Union County Offers Online Activities for Residents with Disabilities and Special Needs

virtual recreation classes flyerClasses are available for children, teens and adults.

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce a new schedule of online classes for Union County residents this winter, hosted by the Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs. The schedule currently includes yoga, karate, and arts-and-crafts.

“The virtual classes are a fun way to stay connected with the Union County community and enjoy programs that exercise the body and the mind,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We are currently planning additional activities, and we invite members of the public to contact the Office for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs with any ideas or suggestions they may have.”

All classes in the new 2021 Virtual Program are free and will be offered through the GoToMeeting platform. Registration is required in order to receive a GoToMeeting link for each session.

To register online visit the Union County website at ucnj.org/opdsn-reg.

The 2021 schedule is:

Yoga for Teens and Young Adults (Ages 13 – 36)

Mondays 5 pm – 6 pm

Session 1: January 25 – March 8 (No class 2/15)

Session 2: March 15 – April 19

Session 3: April 26 – June 7 (No class 5/31)

Karate for Kids (Ages 15 and under)

Wednesdays 7 pm – 7:45 pm

Session 1: January 27 – February 24

Session 2: March 10 – April 7

Session 3: April 21 – May 19

Session 4: June 2 – June 30

Karate for Teens and Young Adults (16 and up)

Wednesdays 8 pm – 8:45 pm

Session 1: January 27 – February 24

Session 2: March 10 – April 7

Session 3: April 21 – May 19

Session 4: June 2 – June 30

Arts & Crafts for Children (Ages 5-15)

Thursday, February 11, 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm. Please note that participants must register at least three days before class begins. Supplies will be available for pick-up from the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, located in the County Administration Building in Elizabeth, at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza.

Arts & Crafts for Teens & Young Adults (Ages 16 & up)

Thursday, February 11, 6:45 pm – 7:45 pm. Please note that participants must register at least three days before class begins. Supplies will be available for pick-up from the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs, located in the County Administration Building in Elizabeth, at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza.

For more information about the 2021 Virtual Program, or to discuss ideas and suggestions for additional classes, contact Nicole DeAugustine, Program Coordinator, ndeaugustine@ucnj.org or call the Union County Office for People with Disabilities and Special Needs, 908-527-4807 (for TTY dial 711).

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.

For more information and updates on services related to 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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County of Union opens registration portal for Covid-19 Vaccination Appointments

The Union County Board of County Commissioners today announced the opening of an online registration system at www.ucnj.org for those eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination.

The registration system is currently open. Please note the registration system will only log those who are eligible to receive the vaccination. Those who are ineligible to receive vaccinations will not be allowed to pre-register, and must wait until they are eligible. The County is offering the Moderna vaccine.

County Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella said: “The opening of an online registration system marks another step forward as we ramp up our vaccination efforts. In addition to taking all precautions in protecting ourselves from COVID-19, we certainly urge everyone to get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible.”

Commissioner Sergio Granados, who chairs the County’s Public Safety Committee, said: “We are working hard to vaccinate as many people as we can during this time. We have put into place measures such as a new registration page that will ensure we can meet the demand once the state provides more vaccines and moves into latter phases.”

Those who are eligible to receive the vaccine include paid and unpaid persons serving in health care settings who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to patients or infectious materials and long-term care residents and staff, and also sworn law enforcement personnel and fire professionals. The Governor also announced that beginning tomorrow, residents 65 and above are also eligible to receive the vaccinations, as are those between the ages of 16-64 with medical conditions, as defined by the CDC, that increase the risk of severe illness from the virus.

The County’s COVID-19 vaccination clinic is located at Downs Hall at Kean University in Union, and is currently open five days a week from 3-7 p.m. Once more vaccines are available, the County is planning to offer the COVID-19 vaccine in different areas of the County.

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Two Union County Parks Get Spruced Up through “Adopt-a-Park” Volunteer Program 

three people proudly standing behind full garbage bags from cleaning up the park
Employees of the environmental services firm Clean Earth participated in a Union County Adopt-a-Park cleanup effort last week (credit County of Union, NJ).

Union County, NJ – Union County residents and visitors are the beneficiaries of a cleanup project at two Union County parks, thanks to a partnership between the County of Union’s “Adopt-a-Park” program and Clean Earth, an environmental services company. Employees from Clean Earth took part in park cleanups in December 2020 at Michael S. Bezega Park and Rahway River Park, both located in Rahway. The work included spreading new gravel on a trail at Bezega Park.

“The Board of County Commissioners is proud to support the volunteer efforts of residents and businesses through our Adopt-a-Park program,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Our volunteers play an important role in protecting and preserving County parks, and we truly appreciate their work.”

The Adopt-a-Park program is administered by the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. The program welcomes individuals as well as students, community organizations, businesses and other groups to help beautify and improve Union County parklands.

Adopt-a-Park projects include litter and recyclables cleanup, planting of native plants, pruning existing vegetation, raking leaves, repairing and/or installing fencing, monitoring of bird nest boxes, maintenance and repair of hiking and/or bridle trails, and much more.

Groups that have recently participated include the Mountainside Girl Scouts, the Kean University Center for Leadership and Service student group, the Garwood Green Team, and corporate volunteers from Amazon and Phillips66.

To learn more about the Adopt-a-Park program, or to volunteer, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/adopt-a-trail-adopt-a-park/ or call the Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-789-3683.

For quick links to all Union County programs and activities related to recycling and the environment, visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connect.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 and updates on statewide vaccine planning are 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 Announces Additional Dates for Free COVID-19 Mobile Unit Testing for January

Saliva tests to be offered in Linden and Plainfield

covid test flyer covid test flyer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  January 11, 2021

Contact: Sebastian D’Elia, 908-527-4419

Katherine Soares, 908-527-4019

https://wp.me/p4sLwl-mQT

County Announces Additional Dates for Free COVID-19 Mobile Unit Testing for January

Saliva tests to be offered in Linden and Plainfield

UNION COUNTY – The Board of County Commissioners informs all residents of upcoming dates and schedule changes for Union County’s COVID-19 testing program. The Union County Mobile Test Unit has scheduled additional visits to local communities to provide free COVID-19 saliva tests for residents during the month of January. No car is required. All sites are available on a walk-up basis.

“Testing has been a cornerstone in our fight against COVID-19 and we encourage all Union County residents to use this free, convenient service,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Even if you have no symptoms of illness, it is important to get tested if you feel that you may have been exposed to the virus by someone else, or are at risk of exposing others.”

Any County resident can use any of the walk-up sites. Masks and social distance are required at all times.

The following municipalities are scheduled for January (note: the Mobile Test Unit will administer the saliva test at all locations):

  • Linden – January 12, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Wheeler Park, 234 Stimpson Avenue
  • Plainfield – January 14, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Milt Campbell Field, East 3rd Street

For more details and to view the most updated schedule online visit ucnj.org/walkup, or call 908-214-7107 for assistance.

The Mobile Test Unit also visits locations such as senior residence buildings to provide on-site testing for vulnerable populations and other groups.

Municipal governments, non-profit organizations and community groups can request a visit by calling the Union County Office of Emergency Management at 908-654-9881.

Residents are urged to continue observing precautions against spreading the virus, including wearing a face mask, maintaining social distance, and washing hands frequently.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and a list of locations for walk-up tests, 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.

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County of Union Vaccinates first resident against Covid-19

Carolyn Smith, Nurse Practitioner at Kean University and resident of Union, first to get Moderna vaccine at County site

first covid vaccination of union county
Julie Wischusen of Cranford (nurse who provided the vaccination), Carolyn Smith of Union (who received the vaccination), County Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Deputy County Manager Amy Wagner, Kean President Lamont Repollet, Executive Director of the Kean Board of Trustees Audrey Kelly, County Commissioners Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, Andrea Staten, and Sergio Granados. (photos by David Pilmenstein, County of Union).
Union resident and Kean Nurse practitioner Carolyn Smith receives vaccine from Julie Wischusen, nurse, of Cranford.

The County of Union today vaccinated its first resident today, Carolyn Smith of Union, a nurse practitioner at Kean University, to mark the start of Phase 1A vaccinations, the Board of County Commissioners announced.

The vaccination occurred at the County’s facility at Kean University at approximately 3 p.m.— the start of the first day of operations. Smith, who has more than 20 years of experience in the medical field and is a registered nurse in the states of New Jersey and New York, said:

“I did it because I believe it is important to prevent the spread of the pandemic, to save lives, and protect my family, myself, my patients, and the community. After reviewing information and the science about the pandemic, I believe this is the best thing to do. We must work to stop COVID-19 and vaccination is one of the ways.”

Ms. Smith received her shot from Julie Wischusen of Cranford, a registered nurse who has been a frontline volunteer at Union County’s Drive-Through COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University ever since it opened in March, at the outset of the COVID-19 lockdowns. Her husband, New York Jets announcer Bob Wischusen created the “Let’s Feed Our Heroes” fundraising drive to purchase food for local hospital workers.

Union County Board of County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella said: “The Board of Commissioners commends Ms. Smith for setting the example and taking the first vaccination. We are pleased to open the vaccination clinic and begin offering life-saving vaccines to those who qualify during the current phase. As more supplies become available, we will announce locations and procedures in accordance with state guidance and we urge all residents to get vaccinated. We have all been depending on each other to stay safe during this pandemic, and each one of us has the power to make a difference in our community.”

County Commissioner Sergio Granados, who chairs the County’s Public Safety/Homeland Security Committee, said: “Today, Union County has taken a major step forward in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic with the kickoff of our vaccination program. Our program began with over 300 vaccinations being provided today alone to those in the 1A category including Ms. Smith, a nurse practitioner at Kean. Our Union County Board of Commissioners will continue to expand the vaccination program to residents as we work with the State of NJ who will guide us through each vaccination phase category.”

The County of Union has begun Phase 1A vaccinations at Kean University. Health care personnel and others, as defined by the New Jersey Department of Health, who are eligible to receive the vaccine, must make an appointment through the County’s website.  For more information about who qualifies under phase 1A or to make an appointment visit ucnj.org/vaccination.​  The County is offering the Moderna vaccine.

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Environmental Activities in Union County Continue this Winter

turtle in the grass
Timber the Turtle is among the denizens of local fields and forests portrayed in original videos created by the Union County Trailside Nature and Science Center.

Union County, NJ – Union County residents who are interested in environmental activities and STEM topics can find a wide variety of online programs for all ages to explore this winter, including original videos produced by Union County’s Trailside Nature and Science Center, a series of online classes leading to certification as an Environmental Steward, and the Mars Base Camp program for students age 8-14.

Residents and visitors can also explore specially marked trails in and around Union County parks to learn about local history, geology, distinctive trees and other points of interest. For information about COVID-19 guidelines in County parks visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation.

“While the Trailside Nature and Science Center remains closed during the COVID-19 outbreak, there are still many ways for residents and vistors to increase their store of knowledge on STEM topics and learn about our natural heritage here in Union County, and beyond,” said Union County Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Residents of all ages who are interested in science and nature can visit the Trailside Nature and Science Center online for curated online and at-home activities and original videos featuring local wildlife, at ucnj.org/trailside.

To take a virtual tour of Trailside, visit ucnj.org/parks-recreation/trailside.

Students ages 8-14 can participate in the online 4-H Mars Base Camp STEM Challenge, hosted locally by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County. More information is available at 4-h.org/parents/4-h-stem-challenge or contact Union County 4-H Agent James Nichnadowicz at jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

The Extension will also offer its Environmental Steward training course for residents who are interested in developing an environmental program for their community. No background in science is needed.

The registration deadline is January 22 and classes begin on January 26. All classes are online and field trips may be added as conditions permit. For details visit envirostewards.rutgers.edu, or contact Rutgers Region 2 coordinator Michele Bakacs at mbakacs@njaes.rutgers.edu.

Gardeners who are planning ahead for the next planting season can find information on composting, eco-friendly garden and yard care, and related topics from the Environmental Stewards “Earth Day Every Day” program at  envirostewards.rutgers.edu/Earth-Day.

Union County’s drop-off recycling events and programs are on winter hiatus and will resume as spring approaches. The 2021 recycling schedule for secure paper shredding, scrap metal recycling and household hazardous waste will be posted on the County website at ucnj.org/recycling by the end of January.

To stay up-to-date with all county and local recycling opportunities and regulations, download the free Recycle Coach app for mobile devices.

The Trailside Nature and Science Center is located in Union County’s Watchung Reservation at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside. Indoor activities have been suspended during the COVID-19 outbreak but Trailside will host a series of guided nature walks beginning in February. Visit Trailside online at ucnj.org/trailside or call 908-789-3670 for more information.

For quick links to all Union County programs and activities related to recycling and the environment, visit The Green Connection, ucnj.org/green-connect.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and the Mobile Test Unit walk-up sites, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 and updates on statewide vaccine planning are 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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New Certified COVID-19 Testing Lab Opens at Kean

covid testing labPartnership between County of Union and Kean transforms testing in New Jersey

A new federally certified campus lab that will process COVID-19 test results opened at Kean University today, building upon an unprecedented partnership with the County of Union in diagnostic testing and critical public health research during the pandemic. The lab will deliver test results in 24 to 48 hours.

With the new facility, Kean becomes one of the first universities without a medical or veterinary school to host a federally certified lab to process COVID-19 tests and marks a critical milestone in its work toward achieving formal designation as a research institution.

“Access to testing remains a critical part of our overall effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in New Jersey,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. “I am grateful to Union County officials and Kean University President Repollet for their collaboration and innovative partnership to expand the state’s testing capabilities to benefit all New Jerseyans. Together, we will continue the fight against COVID-19.”

The new lab at Kean will process COVID-19 tests and deliver test results in 24 to 48 hours.

The new lab is located in the Kean STEM Building at 1075 Morris Avenue on Kean’s main campus in Union Township. It was funded through the federal CARES Act for COVID-19 relief, under a combination of grants administered by Union County and the University. The Union County Division of Health also worked with Kean to equip the lab and apply for federal certification and licensing by the State of New Jersey, which expedited their review in the interest of public health.

To date, Union County has administered more than 100,000 COVID-19 tests at its drive-through site on Kean’s campus and via its mobile testing program, including 10,000 tests for residential students and athletes on Kean’s campus.

“Kean University has proven to be a dynamic, steadfast partner in our efforts to protect the Union County community during the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Alexander Mirabella, chairman of the Union County Board of County Commissioners. “With the unwavering support of President Repollet and his team, we established the first free countywide drive-through test center in New Jersey, and we have continued to bring new COVID testing technology to the community during the outbreak. The new on-campus lab will enable our partnership to improve testing services even further, while providing students and educators with invaluable hands-on experience in COVID response and related fields.”

“Kean is on a path to become the next great research University in the state of New Jersey,” said Kean President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. “This lab combines our research expertise from our world-class faculty with our commitment to public service. We are grateful for the chance to serve our fellow New Jerseyans during this pandemic and beyond. Keeping our community safe is truly a team effort. Kean cougars are always striving to climb higher academically, professionally, and in support of the larger community. This lab is part of much more to come.”

The new lab will enable the County to eliminate the need to ship specimens to other locations for processing. It is expected to deliver results in 24 to 48 hours for up to 30,000 tests per week from the drive-through center and other locations. Union County residents, first responders from around the state and members of the Kean community will all benefit from faster turnaround times for the free testing program.

The new lab is part of the University’s new Center for Clinical Laboratory Science and Pandemic Research, one of the first interdisciplinary academic centers in the nation to focus on education, clinical diagnostics and research of pandemics.

The Center also coordinates and facilitates pandemic research initiatives in science, social science and other disciplines across the University. In addition, the Center is the hub for launching new related academic programs.

“Kean is at the forefront of pandemic research on drug therapies and medicinal chemistry, social and emotional responses to mask wearing and more,” said Jeffrey H. Toney, Ph.D., Kean’s provost and vice president for research and faculty. “The Center brings that work together and allows the entire University community to benefit from our shared research on behalf of public health.”

The Union County Board of County Commissioners and Kean University mobilized scores of volunteers and professional staff to open Union County’s Drive-Through Center on March 23, 2020, when the first wave of COVID-19 lockdowns struck the nation. In addition, the County Commissioners Board created the Union County COVID-19 Mobile Test Unit to conduct walk-up tests in local communities, including visits to senior residences and other vulnerable populations.

The new lab has been certified for COVID-19 testing by the federal Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and is licensed by the Division of Public Health and Environmental Laboratories in the New Jersey Department of Health. The lab is also in the process of applying for federal certification for influenza Types A and B, which is administered in the three-panel test provided by the Drive-Through Center.

Robert Pyatt with Keith Bostian, Ph.D., dean of the New Jersey Center for Science, Technology and Mathematics at Kean

Keith Bostian, Ph.D., dean of the New Jersey Center for Science, Technology and Mathematics at Kean, said launching the lab was a complex undertaking with the County that involved bringing in new equipment and hiring and training staff, including Kean alumni, to process results around the clock.

“Kean is a burgeoning hub for scientific research so launching this lab was a natural next step for the University,” Bostian said. “Not only are we advancing public health, but we’re also providing opportunities for our students and alumni to participate in this groundbreaking work and grow as scientists.”

Frequent testing was at the core of the Kean’s Return to Campus initiatives during the Fall semester. The University conducted weekly testing of all residents and made testing available to other members of the community, including those who remained remote and those who came to campus for hybrid courses. Similar protocols are planned for the Spring 2021 semester.

This press release was originally issued by Kean University on January 5, 2021. To view the release on the Kean website with additional photos, visit kean.edu/news/new-certified-covid-19-testing-lab-opens-kean.

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Union County to begin Phase 1A Vaccination

The County of Union today announced it will begin to offer Phase 1A Covid-19 vaccinations beginning Thursday and in accordance with state guidelines.

Health care personnel, as defined by the New Jersey Department of Health, who are eligible to receive the vaccine, must make an appointment through the County’s registration system.  For more information about who qualifies under phase 1A or to make an appointment visit http://www.ucnj.org/vaccination.​  Registration will be open tomorrow on Tuesday, January 5th at 9 a.m. The County will be offering the Moderna vaccine.

“In the coming weeks and months, as more supplies become available, we will announce locations and procedures in accordance with New Jersey Department of Health regulations and guidance,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “We hold the health and safety of those we vaccinate in the utmost regard, and we are ensuring that all protocols are in place as we proceed. As we conduct this lifesaving work over the coming months, we urge all residents to continue taking every possible action to save lives, too: wear a mask, observe social distance, get tested – and get vaccinated once you are eligible and once supplies arrive. We have all been depending on each other to stay safe during this pandemic, and each one of us has the power to make a difference in our community.”

County Commissioner Sergio Granados, chair of the Public Safety Committee added:  “Union County continues to work on ways to help our residents during the COVID-19 pandemic from leading the state in testing to now kicking off the Union County COVID-19 vaccination program that we are confident will become one of the most active in New Jersey in offering vaccinations.”