3 COVID Updates In Nutley: ‘Area Of Hope,’ Testing, Boosters

NUTLEY, NJ — Nutley has built an “area of hope” in tribute to those who have died from COVID-19, as well as other causes, town officials recently announced.

The area is located in Memorial Park I, closest to the Chestnut Street entrance. An official ceremony to announce its completion is planned for Friday, June 24 at 7 p.m.

According to town officials:

“As we prepare for summer, we all continue to remember those we have lost to COVID-19, to cancer, to natural causes or for any reason. Sometimes it is difficult to understand pain and suffering and we look for a place to reflect on our feelings. The Nutley Department of Parks and Recreation has created a place of great hope and peace in a world that sometimes seems ravaged by sadness and anger. Memorial Park I has become the host for Nutley’s Area of Hope.”

Nutley officials continued:

“The concept and in-house design for this project assisted in the quick completion and cost savings of this project. Construction began in 2021 on Nutley’s Area of Hope and is now fully completed for our community to enjoy. Where there is hope, there is faith. Where there is faith, miracles happen!”

“We have determined that the best course for fulfilling a void and bringing added faith to our community was to create a place of healing and hope for our residents,” Commissioner Mauro Tucci said. “Creating this in the already tranquil environment at Memorial Park I will help residents relax into clarity through meditation.”

COVID TESTING

The MediStation COVID-19 testing site has been relocated for the summer, according to a news release from Tucci and the Nutley Department of Parks and Recreation.

The new location is the Nutley Elks Lodge, located at 242 Chestnut Street. Testing will be held from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

For information, contact the Department of Parks and Recreation at 973-284-4966 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

VACCINE BOOSTER CLINIC

The Nutley Health Department will hold a COVID-19 vaccine booster clinic on Tuesday, June 28. It will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Nutley Health Department, 149 Chestnut Street.

According to a municipal news release:

"Nutley residents that have received BOTH doses of the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine or the single dose Johnson and Johnson/Jansen vaccine, are now able to receive a booster dose."

Anyone 18 and up will be able to receive a booster dose. An appointment is necessary; no walk-ins will be accepted. Appointments can be made online here, or by calling 973-284-4976.

Participants should bring their COVID-19 vaccination cards. Residents should talk to their health care provider about their medical condition, and whether getting an additional dose is appropriate for them, officials said.

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