Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ — As part of statewide efforts to reduce social contacts and stop the spread of COVID-19 in New Jersey, certain previously scheduled public recreation and cultural events sponsored by Union County in April and May have been cancelled.

The cancelled events are:

• April 26, Wild Earth Fest
• May 3, Sensory Friendly Theatre “Bubble Trouble”
• May 3, Shakespeare in the Park
• May 17, Shakespeare in the Park
• May 23, Paint by the Pond
• May 30, Rhythm and Blues by the Brook

In addition, a previously scheduled July 1 performance by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra at Echo Lake Park has been cancelled.

Union County parks remain open only for individual use that conforms to the six-foot standard for social distance. To avoid spreading or contracting COVID-19 in County parks, visitors should avoid congested areas and give way to others on trails and pathways.

In accordance with statewide COVID-19 guidelines, walking, jogging, hiking, fishing (state fishing license required for ages 17-69) and bicycling are among the permitted activities. Individuals may be accompanied by immediate family, household members, caregivers, or romantic partners.

No group activities are permitted in Union County parks during the COVID-19 outbreak. All picnic areas and restrooms have been closed. Other closures include playgrounds, dog parks, and golf courses. The Trailside Nature and Science Center, the Warinanco Sports Center, and Watchung Stables are also closed to the public.

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, 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.

#  #

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.

Remote procedure held in consideration of COVID-19 precautions.

Union County, NJ – Union County, NJ — Due to ongoing efforts to stop the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, and a statewide prohibition on gatherings, Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that the 2020 Primary Election ballot position drawing will be live-streamed on Facebook.  A link will be posted prior to the drawing.

The Primary Election ballot position drawing will be held on Thursday, April 9 at 3:00 p.m. as designated by law.

“The essential business of the 2020 election cycle will continue. My office will make use of the technology at hand to ensure that the mandated steps occur according to schedule while taking every available precaution to protect staff and the public at large,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

Ms. Rajoppi also advised voters to use a Vote-by-Mail ballot to participate in the upcoming Primary Election.

“With the outbreak of COVID-19, there is all the more reason to use a Vote-by-Mail ballot and ensure your voice is heard on Election Day,” she said.

Under New Jersey state law, any eligible voter can use a Vote-by-Mail ballot. There is no requirement to provide a reason. Every Vote-by-Mail ballot is counted in every election.

Voters who have never used a Vote-by-Mail ballot can apply for one now. Applications are available for download from the County Clerk’s elections website at unioncountyvotes.com.

To have an application sent by mail, call the County Clerk’s Elections Division at 908-527-4996.

For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

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.

For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.

Connect with Union County on social media.

COVID-19 tests for Union County residents and first responders/front line health workers who are experiencing symptoms.

Union County, NJ — The Union County Drive-Through COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University has added a second phone line for Union County residents only in order to handle a heavy volume of calls from members of the public seeking to be tested.

The Test 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 Test Center, regardless of their place of residence.

Persons with COVID-19 symptoms who wish to be tested should call 908-373-5105. Union County residents only may also call 908-214-7107 if they are not able to get through on the main number.

The Test Center is located at the Kean University Campus on Morris Avenue in Union Township. It is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The Test Center is available on a drive-through basis only, no walk-ins are admitted. Testing is free.

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.

# #

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.

Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella and Freeholder Sergio Granados today visited the Union County COVID-19 testing facility at Kean University in Union to receive a briefing from County Manager Ed Oatman, first responders and staff manning the facility. Residents who need testing are urged to call 908-373-5105 to set up an appointment. 

The facility will be open until further notice to test as many residents as possible. 

Updated May 4th

Expanded telemedicine procedure introduced in response to statewide need.

Union County, NJ – In order to help key emergency personnel get a COVID-19 test as quickly as possible, the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University is now available to first responders and certain health care workers in New Jersey, regardless of their place of work or residence.

Those covered by the new procedures are: fire fighters, police officers, EMTs, 911 tele-communicators, Medical Reserve Corps members, all hospital employees, staff at long term care facilities and nursing homes, and home health aides.

The expanded service is in response to limited availability of testing statewide.

“Union County is taking this extraordinary statewide measure to support emergency personnel in New Jersey, so those who need a test can get one without any further delay,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Beginning today, first responders and certain health care workers in New Jersey seeking a COVID-19 test, regardless of residence, can follow these steps:

1. Call the Union County Test Center at 908-373-5105 or 908-214-7107. (no walk-ins are admitted).
2. Discuss symptoms by phone with a triage nurse. The nurse will schedule an appointment at the Test Center for patients who meet guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control.
3. Persons with an appointment can proceed to the Testing Center at their scheduled time (no doctor visit or prescription is required).

In addition to first responders and certain health workers, all Union County residents with COVID-19 symptoms can call the Test Center at 908-373-5105 or 908-214-7107. and follow the same telemedicine process.

“The Test Center serves every patient who meets the CDC guidelines, even if they have no health insurance or personal doctor. COVID-19 knows no barriers, and our response to the crisis must be barrier-free as well,” Mirabella emphasized.

“The Test Center has also become a vital emergency response asset on a broader level,” he added. “By performing scores of triage interviews daily, it enables doctors in our community to focus more attention on treating patients.”

The Test Center is located at the Kean University Campus on Morris Avenue in Union Township. It is open Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Test Center is available on a drive-through basis only. Testing is free.

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.

#  #

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 Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University implements a new “telehealth” procedure for persons seeking a COVID-19 test.

Updated May 4th

Beginning March 30th, Union County residents, as well as all first responders and health workers working in the county regardless of residence, can report symptoms and schedule testing by calling 908-214-7107.

“From the beginning of this pandemic, we have been working tirelessly to make sure we test everyone who desperately needs tests regardless of their accessibility to primary care. By allowing all residents to call one central number we will relieve the barrier to care and free up our health care professionals to serve even more clients,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

Patients who call 908-214-7107 will be connected to a nurse who will triage and assess symptoms over the phone. Appointments will be scheduled for patients that meet the Centers for Disease Control guidelines.

Persons receiving an appointment can proceed to the Testing Center at their scheduled time. No other primary care doctor prescription is required.

Please note that Union County residents who previously registered at the Testing Center and have already submitted a prescription may proceed as instructed.

“We began this process in great partnership with the healthcare community. We know that as time goes on the burden on our doctors will only grow. Union County wants to do our part by using telehealth capabilities to triage patients so doctors can focus on the care their patients will need to get well after diagnosis,” said Chairman Mirabella.

The Test Center is located at the Kean University Campus on Morris Avenue in Union Township.

Regular weekday hours for the Test Center are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Test Center is available on a drive-through basis only. Testing is free.

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.

In order to reduce the spread of COVID-19, affiliation changes will only be processed by mail. No in-person transactions are being conducted at this time.

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of Elections reminds voters who plan to change their party affiliation that they must do so by April 8, in order to participate in their new party’s Presidential Primary Election on June 2.

“Voters often do not realize that the deadline to change their affiliation is set long before Primary Day,” said Board of Elections Administrator Nicole DiRado. “If you plan to change parties ahead of the June 2, 2020 Presidential Primary, please be aware that party declaration changes must be received by the Election Board by April 8.”

The Union County Board of Elections is currently working remotely. Voters who wish to process changes to their party affiliation can do so only by mail at this time as an original signature is required.

Voters with questions, or who need a form mailed to them can call 908-527-4121 and leave a message for a return call.

Voters may also email ucboe@ucnj.org for a prompt reply.

Voters may also download a form by visiting https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/forms-party-affiliation/party-affiliation-form.pdf for an English form.

Forms in Spanish are available at:  https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/forms-party-affiliation/party-affiliation-form-spanish.pdf.

Completed forms with original signatures can be mailed to: Union County Board of Elections, 271 North Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07208.

The Board of Elections advises voters that visitors to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Office often may inadvertently change their party affiliation during their transaction, and may not have even noticed it. Calling the Board of Elections is the best way for voters ensure they are ready to vote for their party’s presidential nominee.

The April 8 deadline does not apply to voters who are currently unaffiliated. Unaffiliated voters may declare their party when they vote on June 2. Unaffiliated voters who vote by mail will have an opportunity to declare their affiliation as they receive a ballot for each party, and should return only the ballot for the party affiliation they are declaring.

For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe, call 908-527-4121 or email at ucboe@ucnj.org.

#  #

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.

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

Families and residents of all ages are invited to take part in a variety of nature and science themed activities designed to keep them entertained while practicing social distancing at home to help flatten the curve of virus transmission. 

“Studies have shown that immersing oneself in nature helps to ease anxiety and reduce stress levels,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “During these difficult times, families can use the resources and activities provided to go outside and get some fresh air while also learning about the natural world right in their own backyard.” 

Among the suggested activities, families are encouraged to become citizen scientists. Activities include starting a nature journal, learning to identify backyard birds by sight and sound and participating in science projects. Printable pages are included with activities for younger children such as a backyard scavenger hunt, coloring pages and simple eco-crafts to create with everyday items from your home.

Online resources are also available for families to share their findings and connect with other nature lovers throughout Union County. Activities can be found online at ucnj.org/trailside.

On the Trailside website, residents will find several links provided for nature observers to view live animal webcams, including Union County’s own Falcon Cam. Families can view video feeds of a variety of wildlife courtesy of zoos and wildlife organizations across the country. 

Residents are also invited to take nature photos in their backyards and send their favorites to trailside@ucnj.org along with the town they live in and their age for a chance to be posted on Union County’s website.

Trailside Nature and Science Center is located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside and is a service of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. 

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.

#  #

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.