Category: Public Info

Press release from

Emergency Departments Open and Safe

 The New Jersey Department of Health and the New Jersey Hospital Association (NJHA) have produced a joint Public Service Announcement (PSA) targeting residents who may suffer a potential heart attack or stroke and might be reluctant to go to hospital Emergency Departments due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The PSA, which features Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli and NJHA President and CEO Cathy Bennett, was made following reports that residents may be delaying needed health care that they require because of concerns of hospital safety and capacity amid coronavirus.

Hospitals report anecdotally that inpatient admissions are down anywhere from 20 to 40 percent compared with pre-COVID activity.

“Our hospitals have been safe havens for all who have walked in their doors for over a century,” Health Commissioner Persichilli said in the PSA. “So I urge you, do not delay going to your local emergency room if you are experiencing signs and symptoms of a heart attack or stroke. I can assure you that are hospitals and emergency rooms are safe and waiting – waiting and ready to care for you.”

The PSA, will be promoted through a robust social media campaign and is also available on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/aUDfZnI1WG4.

“Hospitals remain open throughout the COVID-19 emergency, with special precautions in place to protect patients,” said NJHA’s Bennett. “If you are experiencing a health emergency, please don’t delay in going to the ED or calling 911. Hospitals and their healthcare teams continue to care for all patients in a safe environment.”

Heart attack and stroke risks can vary by age, gender and heredity including race. Shared risk factors for heart attack and stroke can include high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking, high cholesterol, physical inactivity and heart disease.

Residents are reminded that signs of a stroke can include:

• Face drooping
• Arm weakness or numbness
• Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
• Sudden confusion and trouble seeing

Signs of a heart attack can include:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Pain or discomfort in arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or lightheadedness

For more warning signs, visit nj.gov/health/fhs/chronic/heart-disease-stroke/

Effective Monday, May 4, the Union County Covid-19 Drive-Through Test Center will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The Union County COVID-19 Drive-Through Test Center is a free service available to Union County residents who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. It is also free to first responders and front-line health workers who are experiencing symptoms, 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 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.

Union County, NJ – Two peregrine falcons that live on the roof of the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth are welcoming new occupants into the nest. The pair have been watching over four eggs for several weeks, and the first one hatched on the morning of May 1. The other three eggs will hatch one at a time, over the next few days.

Union County residents and people all over the world can observe the falcons and watch the eggs hatch by tuning into the County’s free livestream Falcon Cam, at ucnj.org/falcon.

“Union County has been helping to preserve and protect peregrine falcons in our area since 2006, and we are all very proud to be part of this conservation success story,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The population of peregrine falcons was decimated by use of the pesticide DDT during the 20^th century. They have been making a comeback in New Jersey, following an intensive preservation effort that began in the 1980’s.

Falcons have been nesting on the Courthouse every year since 2006, when County personnel affixed a nesting box to the roof under the guidance of state wildlife experts.

More livestreams, videos and activities about wildlife are available through Union County’s falcon education partner, Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, at conservewildlifenj.org.

Union County provides nature and environmental programs throughout the year, and is offering additional online resources for all ages online during the COVID-19 outbreak.

For more information visit the Trailside Nature and Science Center, the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, or the Union County Green Connection at ucnj.org/green-connection.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Union County Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, 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.

Failure to observe social distance puts others at risk and will result in parks closing

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is reopening County-owned parks effective Saturday, May 2, for passive recreation by individuals who observe social distance guidelines that protect against the COVID-19 virus.

“Social distance saves lives, it’s as simple as that,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “These guidelines are designed to enable use of County parks by persons who recognize that social distance stops the spread of COVID-19. Everyone has the power to help protect our community by observing the social distance rules.”

In accordance with statewide guidelines for maintaining a six-foot social distance, the following rules apply to County parks beginning on May 2:

• Closed: All recreation equipment and facilities remain closed including restrooms, playgrounds, picnic areas, athletic fields, running tracks, dog parks, workout/fitness equipment, tennis courts, basketball courts, Archery Range, Trailside Museum, Warinanco Sports Center, and Watchung Stable.
• Strictly prohibited: Any and all organized or group activities are strictly prohibited including picnics and social gatherings, team sports/practices, pick-up games, group workouts, yoga and fitness classes, and any other organized activities, classes, programs, etc. Teams using County parks for any reason will lose field reservation privileges.
• Permitted: Individual activities such as walking, jogging, biking and fishing are permitted. Bikes are permitted on paved paths only; trail riding strictly is prohibited. For these activities, individuals may be accompanied by family members, caretakers, household members, or romantic partners.
• Use of walking paths: Follow arrows to move counter-clockwise only. Slow users keep right; fast users pass on left. Give way to others to maintain six-foot distance when passing.
• Masks: Strongly recommended.
• Parking and hours of use: Union County Parks are open dawn to dusk only; no off-hours use permitted. Drivers must observe parking rules.
• Union County’s Ash Brook and Galloping Hill Golf Courses: Golf courses are expected to open on Wednesday, May 6, after routine maintenance.
• Report abuse of social distance guidelines to Union County Police: 908-654-9800

More information: ucnj.org/parks.

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. 

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Union County Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, 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.

Union County, NJ – Union County residents who are experiencing sexual or domestic violence can seek help from trained professionals and volunteer advocates in Union County.

“We want all residents to know that assistance continues to be available in our community for victims of sexual or domestic violence during the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Please reach out if you need help.”

Trained volunteer advocates are available to assist victims of sexual violence through Union County’s Rape Crisis Center hotline, 908-2333-7273.

During the COVID-19 outbreak, Rape Crisis Center advocates have continued to provide crisis counseling and support by phone, referrals to community resources, and guidance on legal and medical issues. The Rape Crisis Center is also providing education and preventive resources online.

Services provided by the Rape Crisis Center are free of charge. As part of the Union County Department of Human Services, the Rape Crisis Center has been assisting victims of sexual violence since 1985. For more information call 908-233-7273 or visit ucnj.org/departments.

Resources available to victims of domestic violence in Union County include:

• The YMCA Union County Domestic Violence Hotline (24 hours-7 days a week) 908-355-HELP (4357).
• The Union County Family Justice Center: 908-527-4980 (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
• The New Jersey Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline (24-7) 1-800-572-SAFE (7233).
• The National Domestic Violence Hotline (24-7) 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Union County Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, 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 – Union County parks will partially re-open beginning at dawn on Saturday, May 2, for limited and passive activities only, in accordance with statewide restrictions issued by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. The County’s two golf courses will open next week, after routine maintenance is conducted.

“Union County parks will re-open under guidelines that are consistent with the statewide plan, which provides for residents to benefit from healthy outdoor activities while diligently observing precautions against spreading or contracting COVID-19,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“As a reminder, the virus does not disappear outside,” Mirabella added. “Please be safe, and help save lives by observing the six-foot social distance guideline and other rules for visiting County parks during this time.”

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

Visitors are also advised to observe other COVID-19 preventive measures including: wash hands frequently, do not touch face, cover coughs and sneezes with tissue or elbow, do not go out if sick, stay away from sick people, and use a face mask for additional protection.

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. 

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Union County Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, 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.

The County of Union wishes to encourage residents to donate blood to agencies that provide life-saving aid for those in need. Agencies such as American Red Cross and New York Blood Center, both of whom have branches in Union County, are facing critical shortfalls as previously planned blood drives have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Even as our families, first responders, and community leaders work together to slow the spread of COVID-19, we cannot forget the needs of those who are at risk from other life-threatening illnesses,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Blood donations are urgently needed for these patients in hospitals across our region, and we urge anyone willing to make a donation to step forward and give blood if they are able.”

Residents who have recovered from COVID-19, in addition to residents unaffected by the virus who are already eligible, can now safely give blood. The American Red Cross holds several blood drives in Union County locations each month, while New York Blood Center has a permanent office in Scotch Plains. For more information and to seek an appointment, please go to https://www.redcross.org/local/new-jersey.html or https://nybloodcenter.org/donate-blood/donor-center-locations-march-2020/. Residents can also schedule an appointment with American Red Cross by phone at 1-800-RED CROSS, and with New York Blood Center at 1-800-933-2566.

Three out of the five schools comprising the Union County Vocational-Technical School District have ranked among the top 500 public high schools in the nation, according to a new survey by Newsweek Magazine. The survey compared standardized test scores, graduate rates, and the performance of students in underserved populations, such as black, Hispanic and low-income.

“Union County offers some of the finest public education resources in the nation,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Public education is a cornerstone of a free and democratic society, and the Freeholder Board is very proud to support each one of our five Vo-Tech schools.”

The three Vo-Tech schools included in Newsweek’s survey are the Academy for Information Technology (#130), Union County Magnet High School (#131), and the Academy for Allied Health Sciences (#207).

Union County Vocational-Technical schools are committed to developing students’ career, decision making and employability skills.

Elizabeth High School in Elizabeth was also included in the top 500, ranking #257 in the nation.

For more information about Union County Vo-Tech Schools, visit www.ucnj.org or www.ucvts.tec.nj.us/ucvts.

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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.