Union County expands free COVID-19 testing

UNION (Union) – Due to increased demand for COVID-19 testing, the Union County drive-thru test center at Kean University will expand operations to four days a week.

Starting Monday, the testing site will operate from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and 9 a.m.to 2:30 p.m. Thursdays.

“We are working hard to provide increased access to free COVID-19 testing to our residents,” Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella said in a statement. “We encourage residents to get tested if they have any concerns about exposure to COVID-19.”

The test center offers free three-panel swab tests that produces results for the COVID-19 virus, Influenza A and Influenza B, all on the same swab.

Kean is one of only two universities in New Jersey to serve as a location for free countywide COVID-19 testing, and it is the first in New Jersey to offer the three-panel swab test.

No doctor referral is required, but the site is accessible by car only.

To make an appointment online visit ucnj.org/covid19, or call 908-518-4307. The test center is available to all Union County residents, and to first responders and front-line health personnel, who work in New Jersey. No symptoms are required. 

READ:Union County announces more free COVID testing dates

MORE:NJ offers employers deep discounts for COVID protective equipment. Here's how to apply

Residents can receive free COVID-19 saliva tests at one of the Mobile Unit walkup events scheduled on multiple dates at various locations around the county. No appointment is necessary and testing is first come-first served. For an updated list of locations visit ucnj.org/walkup.

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.