Union County, NJ has the lowest transmission of COVID in the northeastern United States

Union County appears to be winning the battle against COVID-19.

Union was recently named as the only county in the entire northeast at the lowest level for community transmission of the virus.

Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control shows Union is one of 52 counties in the country with the lowest level for community transmission.

The CDC lists 2,656 counties in the United States as high, 361 as important, and 148 as moderate community transmission.

The designation is based on a seven-day moving average established by the CDC, officials said.

“The low transmission designation is a remarkable achievement that validates all of the hard work and extra precautions we have taken since the start of the epidemic, including stringent guidelines on wearing masks,” said Alexander Mirabella, president of the Council of Union County Commissioners.

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But Mirabella noted that the data can change from day to day, and Union County is not an island.

“The fact that so few other jurisdictions have achieved low risk status demonstrates how important it is for everyone to step up and get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as they are eligible,” said he declared. “Vaccination is the only sure way to reduce the risk of death and the long-term health effects of this devastating virus.”

Commissioner Sergio Granados said Union County was hit hard at the start of the outbreak, but residents rallied to protect themselves as advice became available on masks, social distancing, testing and the vaccination.

“We also want to point out that several thousand Union County residents cannot be vaccinated due to their age or medical condition. COVID-19 will continue to be a matter of life and death until all eligible residents show up and get vaccinated, ”said Granados, chairman of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee of the Council of commissioners.

Union County Director Edward T. Oatman said there had been an effort on the bridge to deal with the public health outbreak. He said the county will continue to apply all available resources to continue these efforts.

“We encourage all residents to remain vigilant until the pandemic is declared over,” he said.

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County officials urged residents and businesses to continue taking precautions like wearing masks and social distancing.

In March 2020, Union was the first county in New Jersey to set up a free mass test site for COVID-19 at Kean University, and it is currently operating on a walk-in basis. Kean University has a certified lab on campus for COVID-19 testing, to reduce the turnaround time for results.

Union was among the first counties to offer free vaccines at a mass vaccination site in Kean in January. The county also offers free testing and vaccination services with mobile units that visit local neighborhoods and vulnerable populations such as senior residences and homeless shelters. Residents of Union County at home can also request a free home vaccination service.

Union became one of the first counties to mandate vaccination for all county employees, with the alternate requirement of regular weekly testing. Masks and other precautions are observed in public buildings in the county.

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Suzanne Russell is a late-breaking reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, the courts and other chaos. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.