Union County Freeholders Announce Countywide Distribution of 100,000 Surgical Masks to Residents

Union County, NJ – The Union County Freeholder Board will distribute 100,000 face masks to its 21 municipalities as part of “Mask Up UC,” a Countywide public safety campaign to encourage all County residents to wear face masks and safeguard themselves and others from potential exposure to COVID-19.

“These masks are being provided free of charge to local agencies, who are working with County personnel to determine priorities and identify those most in need,” said Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

“The ‘Mask Up UC’ initiative will help fill a critical need of facial mask that enables county residents to prevent the spread of COVID-19. By supporting our county in this endeavor, we hope to continue to make progress toward safely restoring economic activity and civic life,” said Freeholder and Public Safety Committee Chair Angela R. Garretson.

“Fighting the COVID-19 crisis is an all-hands-on-deck effort. By purchasing and distributing these masks free of charge we hope to ensure that everyone in Union County has access to a mask and can help protect our community,” said County Manager Edward T. Oatman.

The details are currently being worked upon and the County will be distributing the masks to the municipalities and other agencies imminently.

Among other COVID-19 response efforts, Union County organized the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University, which has provided over 18,000 free tests since opening on March 23.

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