Category: Public Info

Union County, NJ – Union County residents can put their kitchen scraps to good use this winter by starting a backyard compost pile. Compost is a natural, organic soil enhancer that helps flower beds, vegetable gardens and shrubs thrive without the need for extra fertilizer.

Keeping food scraps out of the waste stream helps ease the burden on municipal waste disposal operations. Pumpkins, decorative gourds and other plant-based home decorations can go into a compost pile along with kitchen scraps and yard waste.

“Union County residents got off to a great start in November by bringing more than five tons of pumpkins to our annual Jack o’ Lantern recycling event. Anyone who has access to a yard can help keep the momentum going by learning how to start a compost pile,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “It’s a simple but effective way to help recover valuable organic nutrients from the waste stream and lighten the burden local waste disposal operations.”

There is a science to composting, but the basics are simple. Scraps from the kitchen are combined with leaves and other yard waste to form a pile. The pile creates a warm environment for naturally occurring microbes. The end result is humus, a crumbly organic matter that can be worked into soil to add nutrients.

Just about any kind of fruit and vegetable scraps can go into a compost pile, raw or cooked. That includes coffee grounds and filters, and tea in the bag (with staples removed, if any). Crushed egg shells are also recommended.

Jack O’ Lanterns, flower arrangements and other plant-based decorations can also be composted. Any non-plant accessories should be stripped off.

Some paper products can also go in, such as towels, napkins and plain cardboard. These should be ripped into strips to aid in decomposition.

Dairy products and cooked meats should be left out of home compost piles, as they may attract pests. The experts categorically state that raw meat should never be composted at home, and the same for used kitty litter and other pet waste.

Nut shells, corn husks and other “woody” kitchen scraps can also be left out, because they take too long to decompose.

Backyard composters also need to be selective about yard waste. Weeds can go in, but not their seeds, or else more weeds will grow from the pile. Similarly, any plants that show signs of infestation or disease should be left out.

Winter composting can be a challenge due to the cold weather. Following a few simple steps can help keep the pile warm and active.

Start by saving fallen leaves in your yard. Leaves supply the carbon needed for composting, while food scraps provide the nitrogen.

• Place your pile where it will be sheltered from wind. Avoid a covered spot, because the pile will need rain to keep moist. A good location will also get sunlight to help keep the pile warm.
• Start by heaping up a large mound of leaves. Fluff them up instead of trying to compact them. The air spaces between the leaves will help insulate the pile. The extra air is also needed to help the decaying process.
• Make a hole in the middle of the pile. This is where your food scraps will go.
• To help the scraps decompose faster, chop larger pieces into smaller ones (pumpkins and other foods with hard rinds may need extra chopping).
• Each time food scraps are added, push some leaves from the sides of the pile over the top.
• Compost piles need some moisture. If it doesn’t rain for several days, or if cold weather freezes the top layer of leaves, add a bit of water along with the food scraps.

If needed, extra insulation can be added in several ways:

• Cover the pile with burlap or an old cloth tarp. The loose cloth will help lock in moisture while allowing rain to seep in.
• Keep the pile from spreading out by enclosing it in chicken wire or other fencing. Straw bales are ideal, as they also serve to insulate the pile.
• Before starting the pile, scoop a shallow pit of 1-2 feet into the ground. The earth will help keep the pile insulated.

A basic, “unscientific” compost pile will create humus in a matter of months, though it could take up to a year or more. Home composters can easily speed up the process to just a few weeks, by cultivating an ideal environment for microbial activity.

The factors for faster composting include using an optimal mixture of “green” and “brown” waste, such as two parts kitchen scraps and grass clippings to one part leaves.

Aerating the pile by turning it with a pitchfork once a week will also help. Store-bought compost tumblers are designed to accommodate aeration, but be wary of the possibility of freezing over the winter.

For additional guidance on home composting, visit the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station online at njaes.rutgers.edu/fs811. Video instructions are also available at envirostewards.rutgers.edu/Earth-Day.html.

Union County’s Bureau of Recycling and Planning held the 2021 pumpkin recycling event at locations in Berkeley Heights, Elizabeth, and Westfield. During the weeklong event, Union County residents returned more than five tons of pumpkins, which were collected by the firm Waste Management for conversion to green energy.

For quick links to all environmental activities and programs in Union County, including the NJAES Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, visit ucnj.org/green-connect.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, 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 – Union County residents who are interested in improving the environment can learn how to create a conservation project in their community by joining the Rutgers Environmental Stewards volunteer program. The program helps members of the public learn specific steps leading to a positive impact on the local ecosystem.

“Whether you are looking for a project or already have one under way, the Environmental Stewards program can help you develop an effective course of action that makes a real difference in the Union County community,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

The Environmental Stewards program is offered in New Jersey through Rutgers Cooperative Extension, which is part of the NJ Agriculture Experiment Station and Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, in cooperation with county governments. It is designed to make university-based information available to local communities, and is supported in Union County by the Commissioner Board.

Recent Environmental Steward projects in Union County include a collaboration with the Department of Parks and Recreation to collect data on the impact of the Ash Borer beetle on the tree population in Union County, the creation of a new program in New Providence encouraging children to learn about environmental conservation, and a new “Adopt a Storm Drain” project in Westfield to stop debris from reaching the Rahway River.

Other recent examples in New Jersey include:

• Clearing invasive plants and planting native trees for a forest restoration project at the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve in Princeton.
• Building 1,000 homes for native bees from bamboo kits, for distribution in Burlington, Mercer, and Ocean counties.
• Organizing a symposium for municipal leaders about the impacts of planning and zoning on the environment, in Burlington County.

The Environmental Stewards program consists of a series of weekly classes and field trips during the winter and spring. Each participant also chooses a local environmental issue as an internship project. The internship provides opportunities to gain real-world experience and build relationships in the community.

On completion of the classes and internship, participants earn certification as Environmental Stewards.

This year’s classes will include zoom sessions, in-person instruction, field trips, and electives by request. The program will cover climate change, green infrastructure, environmental justice, wildlife habitat and other topics of broad interest.

Each class will be taught by a leading researcher from Rutgers University, a government agency, or the non-profit sector. The 2022 class will begin on Tuesday, January 25 and continue on Tuesdays through May 17. Each class will run from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

More than 900 New Jersey residents have received Environmental Steward certification since the program began in 2005, and many continue to have an impact in their community.

To learn more about the Environmental Steward volunteer program and to sign up for classes, visit envirostewards.rutgers.edu.

For additional assistance contact Michele Bakacs, County Agent and Associate Professor for the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County at bakacs@njaes.rutgers.edu or 732-398-5274.

The Union County Commissioner Board supports the Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County with administrative assistance and office space in Westfield, land for the Demonstration Garden in the Watchung Reservation in Mountainside, and funding for special projects. For more information about all Extension projects and activities in Union County, including Master Gardeners, Master Tree Stewards and the 4-H youth development program, visit ucnj.org/rce.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

County pivots vaccine strategy to accommodate demand among residents due to new variants

Union County, NJ – In response to the rising demand for COVID-19 vaccinations, as of December 15 Union County’s test sites will operate on an accelerated schedule of five days per week shared between three mass-vaccination sites located in Union Township, Roselle, and Plainfield. The new schedule will enable Union County to increase the number of vaccinations administered each week. In order to accommodate the new schedule, Union County’s mobile vaccination service will be temporarily suspended at the end of December

The recently identified Omicron variant, and an increase in confirmed positive cases, has made the demand for vaccines dramatically increase around Union County and elsewhere in New Jersey.

“Union County’s COVID-19 response strategy is designed to adjust rapidly to new circumstances as the pandemic continues,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Vaccination is the only sure way to prevent serious illness and death, and we are committed to providing our residents with ample opportunities to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”

To ensure that Union County can continue to maintain the clinical integrity of vaccine operations, stationary sites with a consistent schedule will help to bring mass vaccinations to residents in a more orderly way.

Effective 12/15, Union County will be operating stationary sites five days a week with the following schedule:

• Warinanco Park, Roselle – Tuesdays and Thursdays – 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Pfizer Vaccine for those ages 5 years old and up)
• Kean University, Union Township – Wednesdays and Fridays – 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer 12 and up only – No pediatric vaccines)
• Plainfield High School, Plainfield – Saturdays – 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (All Vaccines including Pediatric Pfizer)

“The recently identified Omicron variant of COVID-19 has made it necessary to adjust our strategy,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.  “We continue to urge residents to get tested if they have been exposed and to get their vaccine or booster as soon as possible.”

“The Board of County Commissioners continues to provide residents with multiple opportunities to get vaccinated,” said Commissioner and Chair of the Public Safety Committee Sergio Granados. “Easy and consistent access to vaccination as well as testing remains our focus and is key to keeping Union County residents safe as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.”

As of this writing, no cases of the Omicron variant have been identified within Union County. The Union County COVID-19 Partnership Lab at Kean University has expanded testing protocols l to include detection of the Omicron variant. Union County COVID-19 testing operations have analysis prepared to identify cases of all currently known variants. In addition to analysis of current tests performed, COVID-19 positive test samples going back 30 days have been pulled and re-sequenced.

The Omicron variant, first identified in South Africa, has been detected in various countries in Africa, Europe, Asia and North America. One of the identifying factors is the existence of an S-gene dropout in a spike protein. An S-gene dropout is not indicative of the Omicron variant, however all positive results of the Omicron variant have been identified as containing the S-gene dropout. There are currently 19 states with confirmed cases of the Omicron COVID-19 variant.

Appointments at permanent vaccine sites can be booked online by creating an account at ucnj.org/vax. Residents looking to visit the Immunization Clinic for a free COVID-19 vaccine can walk in Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, 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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Please Note – Covid-19 testing and vaccinations will be available on Sunday, only

Union County, NJ — The Union County Board of County Commissioners reminds residents of the emergency Holiday Food Distribution events for Union County residents in December to aid those affected by COVID-19.

These will include:

Saturday, December 18, 2021

• 8:00 a.m. – KEAN University in Union
• Drive-thru – Holiday Distribution

Saturday, December 18, 2021

• 12:00 p.m. – Division of Social Services in Elizabeth
• Walk-Up – Holiday Distribution

Sunday, December 19, 2021

• 11:00 a.m. – Gerald B. Green Plaza in Plainfield
• Walk-Up – Holiday Distribution

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.

“Residents continue to look for assistance from the ongoing food distributions during the COVID-19 pandemic and we are proud to provide this valuable resource as well as an opportunity for residents to get vaccinated,” said Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“We are making progress in the fight against COVID-19 and emerging variants but our residents continue to face housing issues, food insecurity and unemployment,” said Commissioner Sergio Granados who also serves as Liaison to the Human Services Advisory Board. “We thank Village Super Market and Gargiulo Produce for their continued partnership in these efforts.”

COVID-19 vaccinations will be available at the walk up event in Plainfield on a walk-up basis. Johnson & Johnson and Moderna (for those 18 years or older) and Pfizer (12 years or older) vaccines will be offered. Along with vaccinations, COVID-19 saliva tests will be available as well on a walk-up basis.

Residents wishing to pick up food at the drive-up distribution events at Kean University must arrive in a vehicle. Walk-ups will not be accommodated in Union.

All drive-up recipients must remain in their cars with windows rolled up when possible. Food boxes will be placed in the trunk or truck bed of the vehicle by volunteers.

Masks are required for residents picking up food at the walk-up events in Elizabeth and Plainfield. 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 indication of how many people reside in their 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 recipient at each event.

This event will run in compliance with state COVID-19 orders regarding social distancing.

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 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 free vaccination, free testing, 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

County remains at the forefront of testing and vaccination as first case of Omicron variant is identified

Union County, NJ – The Union County COVID-19 Partnership Lab at Kean University, the first County and academic run lab in the nation, has recently expanded testing protocols to include detection of the Omicron variant. Union County has updated sequencing processes for all test samples collected through mobile clinics and permanent testing sites as variants are identified. On December 3, the Partnership Lab at Kean began sequencing for the Omicron variant, first identified in South Africa. This week, the proprietary lab sequenced and identified the first case of the Omicron variant among positive samples tested through the Union County run COVID-19 testing programs.

From the onset of the pandemic in March of 2020, COVID-19 testing done through Union County mobile clinics and permanent testing sites has been consistently updated to identify new variants in samples that are found to be positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

“The Omicron variant of COVID-19 has proven to be more contagious and thus, easily transmissible, adding to the many moving parts in our battle against the pandemic,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.  “We strongly urge residents to get tested if they have been exposed and to get their vaccine or booster as soon as possible.”

“The Board of County Commissioners continues to provide residents with opportunities for testing and has recently increased the number of permanent vaccination sites within Union County so that residents are able to get tested when necessary,” said Commissioner and Chair of the Public Safety Committee Sergio Granados. “Currently, the positivity rate in the State is trending up towards levels seen 12 months ago. Easy access to both testing and vaccination is key to keeping Union County residents safe as we continue to navigate COVID-19 and its variants. Research shows that vaccines provide protection against possible infection and subsequent transmission as well as lowers the rates of hospitalizations due to COVID-19.”

As part of the efforts to identify possible cases of the Omicron variant within Union County and in addition to current analysis, COVID-19 positive test samples going back 30 days from when the new variant was identified were pulled and re-sequenced.

To date, the Omicron variant which was first identified in South Africa, has been detected in 77 countries worldwide and in over 30 states within the U.S. One of the identifying factors is the existence of an S-gene dropout in a spike protein. An S-gene dropout is not indicative of the Omicron variant, however all positive results of the Omicron variant have been identified as containing the S-gene dropout.

Union County offers two permanent testing sites, located at Kean University in Union and the Gerry B. Green Building in Plainfield. All results are analyzed through the Union County COVID-19 Partnership Lab at Kean University. For hours of operations, residents can visit: https://ucnj.org/covid19/testing/covid19testing/.

Appointments at Union County vaccine sites can be booked online by creating an account at ucnj.org/vax. Residents looking to visit the Immunization Clinic for a free COVID-19 vaccine can walk in Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including the Union County COVID-19 Test Center at Kean University, the Mobile Test Unit, 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

Union County, NJ – Union County’s free COVID-19 vaccination and testing programs will continue under a modified schedule during the holidays.

“Considering the surge in cases linked to the delta and omicron variants, it is still vitally important to take every precaution against infection. We continue to encourage everyone in the Union County community to get fully vaccinated at the earliest opportunity,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Union County residents can visit ucnj.org to view the latest schedules and make an appointment online at any free vaccination clinic or testing site operated by Union County.

Residents needing additional assistance to make an appointment can contact the Union County COVID-19 Call Center at 908-613-7829, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except holidays.

Union County currently operates three free vaccination sites. Appointments are required at each site:

• Warinanco Sports Center at Warinanco Park in Roselle, on Tuesdays and Thursdays except holidays.
• Downs Hall at Kean University in Union Township on Wednesdays and Fridays except holidays (closed on Friday, December 24 and Friday, December 31).
• Plainfield High School in Plainfield on Saturdays except holidays (closed on Saturday, December 25 and Saturday, January 1).

For complete details, including hours of operation and the type of vaccine available at each location, visit ucnj.org/vax online or call the COVID-19 Call Center at 908-613-7829.

Union County also operates two free COVID-19 test sites, at Kean University on Mondays and Thursdays, and at Gerald B. Green Plaza in Plainfield on Wednesdays. For complete details and to make an appointment visit ucnj.org/covid19 or call 908-613-7829.

New Jersey residents can now request a free COVID-19 home test kit from the New Jersey Department of Health. For more information on home testing, or to use the Department of Health’s online testing site search tool, visit https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/testing.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.

A $25,000 donation from Amazon will go towards hot meals and holiday gifts.

Union County, NJ – On Tuesday, December 21, the Union County Commissioner Board joined New Jersey State Senator Nicholas P. Scutari and United Way of Greater Union County to receive a ceremonial check marking the donation of $25,000 from Amazon. The funds have enabled the purchase of hot meals and gifts for Union County seniors and children.

Also helping to facilitate the project are local five local businesses: The Town Bookstore and The Learning Express in Westfield, the restaurants Il Forno’s in Rahway and Two Tony’s in Linden, and Adrian’s Caterers in Plainfield.

“On behalf of the Commissioner Board I would like to thank Amazon for the funds, and thank Senator Scutari, who was instrumental in coordinating this donation. This partnership with the Senator, Amazon, United Way, and Union County will help ensure that everyone in our community who needs a helping hand can feel included in the festivities of the season, especially children and seniors,” said Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“Families, children, and seniors need our support now more than ever. They need to know they are seen, and that the Union County community is there for them. The holiday season is an especially sensitive time, and these new funds will help provide the emotional support that can make a real difference,” said James W. Horne, Jr., President and CEO of United Way of Greater Union County. “We thank Amazon for their contribution, and we thank all of our community partners for collaborating on this initiative.”

“Every act of kindness counts all the more at this time of year. I thank Amazon, United Way and the County of Union for helping to ensure that every child and senior citizen in our community can partake in the simple pleasure of enjoying a hot meal and receiving a gift during the holiday season,” said New Jersey State Senator Nicholas P. Scutari, who represents the 22^nd Legislative District in Union County.

“As we continue to grow in New Jersey and specifically Union County, we want to be not just a good employer, but also a good neighbor,” said Colin Newman, Amazon’s Public Policy Director in New Jersey. “United Way of Greater Union County is a vital community anchor, and we’re glad these resources will help them reach more young people and seniors this holiday season.”

The Union County Department of Human Services collaborates with United Way and other local non-profits to provide essential services to Union County residents in need. United Way received the check from Amazon and coordinated with Union County to distribute the funds.

In addition, more than 1,300 families in Union County will receive donations through Union County’s annual Holiday Toy Drive, which concludes on December 22. To make a donation of a new toy, order from the UC Holiday Workshop on Amazon at amazon.com/hz/wishlist or use the drop-off bin in the lobby of the Union County Administration Building, 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth. For more information contact Nathalie Hernandez by email, at nahernandez@ucnj.org or ucholidaytoydrive@ucnj.org.

Union County also hosts emergency food distribution events each month. The emergency food program is an ongoing series established in May 2020 in order to assist households impacted financially by the COVID-19 outbreak. For details about upcoming food distribution events visit ucnj.org/covid19/food-distribution-events. Any Union County resident in need can come to any of these events, regardless of their home town.

To contact the Union County Department of Human Services, use the online contact form at ucnj.org/dhs, email the DHS Action Line at DHSaction@ucnj.org, or call the Action Line at 888-558-2288. Seniors age 60 and up can call the Union County Division on Aging at 888-280-8226.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, 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 – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises residents seeking passport services that the U.S. Department of State has raised the fees for passport books by $20.00 effective Monday, December 27.

On Monday, the fee for an adult passport book, for ages 16 and up, will be raised from $110.00 to $130.00.

The fee for a child passport book, for ages 15 and younger, will be raised from $80.00 to $100.00.

“My office is authorized to assist residents in transmitting their passport applications to the U.S. Department of State, so we make every effort to help inform the public when that agency changes its policy and procedures,” said Ms. Rajoppi.

For more details about the new fees and other passport information, visit the U.S. Department of State at travel.state.gov.

To contact the office of the Union County Clerk regarding passport assistance, call the Main Office in Elizabeth at 908-527-4966 or the Annex Office in Westfield at 908-654-9859.

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

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, 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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Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella issued the following statement on the passing of Union County Surrogate James S. LaCorte:

“It is with great sorrow that we learned of the passing of Union County Surrogate James LaCorte, who provided assistance and comfort to thousands of Union County residents in their time of bereavement over his years of service as County Surrogate. James was known for his sensitive, compassionate, and highly professional approach to his duties. He was a steady, reliable source of guidance for Union County residents coping with an emotional point in their lives, and he unstintingly shared his knowledge of the law with the public by arranging educational events for professionals, volunteers, non-profit organizations, civic groups, and the general public.

“His services to families, including many adoptive families and others, helped to strengthen our Union County community during the more than 20 years he served as Surrogate, and his influence will continue for generations to come. Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones.”

Please note, this date is fully booked.

Any Union County resident can make an appointment at any testing clinic run by Union County, free of charge.

Union County, NJ – Due to the increased demand for COVID-19 tests, the holiday schedule for Union County’s free COVID-19 testing program will include an additional testing day, on December 29.

“We continue to encourage everyone in the Union County community to get fully vaccinated at the earliest opportunity, and we continue to provide free tests as well as free vaccines,” said Union County Commissioner Board Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Union County residents can visit ucnj.org to view the latest schedules and make an appointment online at any free testing site or vaccination clinic operated by Union County.

Residents needing additional assistance to make an appointment can contact the Union County COVID-19 Call Center at 908-613-7829, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except holidays.

Union County operates two free COVID-19 test sites, at Kean University on Mondays and Thursdays, and at Gerald B. Green Plaza in Plainfield on Wednesdays.

In addition to testing dates previously scheduled during the holidays, the Kean University site will also be open on Wednesday, December 29.

To make an appointment and to get complete details on hours, locations, and the type of test provided at both of these sites visit ucnj.org/covid19 or call 908-613-7829.

Union County also currently operates three free vaccination sites. Appointments are required at each site:

• Warinanco Sports Center at Warinanco Park in Roselle, on Tuesdays and Thursdays except holidays.
• Downs Hall at Kean University in Union Township on Wednesdays and Fridays except holidays (closed on Friday, December 24 and Friday, December 31).
• Plainfield High School in Plainfield on Saturdays except holidays (closed on Saturday, December 25 and Saturday, January 1).

For complete details, including hours of operation and the type of vaccine available at each location, visit ucnj.org/vax online or call the COVID-19 Call Center at 908-613-7829.

New Jersey residents can now request a free COVID-19 home test kit from the New Jersey Department of Health. For more information on home testing, or to use the Department of Health’s online testing site search tool, visit https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/testing.

For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing, 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.

Connect with Union County on social media.