WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary's University has announced its hope to return to the fields of competition in 2021, joining forces with Winona Hy-Vee to utilize the chain's COVID-19 (molecular PCR) testing kits, allocated to Hy-Vee pharmacy locations throughout its eight-state region, including Winona.
 
"Our students' safety is our primary concern," Brian Sisson, athletic director, said. "We're incredibly grateful to Hy-Vee for partnering with us. Through their generosity, we will be able to not only meet the MIAC testing recommendations, we'll be able to better care for our students, while allowing them to fulfill their college athletic career goals. Saint Mary's University — and especially our student-athletes — so appreciate their support."
 
Cardinal student-athletes and select staff, depending on the sport, will be tested one to three times a week as coordinated by the Winona Hy-Vee pharmacy, with support from Saint Mary's athletic staff. Testing, which allows Saint Mary's student-athletes to meet NCAA Sport Science Institute testing protocols, will occur on campus, and all social distancing and safety procedures will be followed.
 
"Hy-Vee has always been a very generous community partner, and in this case these tests mean the difference between being able to compete and not being able to compete because of the mitigating costs associated with testing," added Sisson, noting that Saint Mary's is also exploring this testing option for student groups such as band and theatre. "Our students are anxious to compete; they've been training hard, and we are hoping that we can provide them an opportunity to show us their skills."
 
The molecular PCR tests utilized in the Saint Mary's testing program are also available free of charge to the public and are administered via a Hy-Vee pharmacy drive-thru testing process.
 
Individuals do not have to have COVID-19 symptoms to receive a molecular PCR test, but they must register online to receive a test voucher number, testing site and appointment time. The COVID-19 tests are being coordinated by eTrueNorth. The testing was first rolled out in August at Hy-Vee pharmacy locations. Testing hours vary by location, so patients should visit www.doineedacovid19test.com to find available testing hours for their location.
 
Hy-Vee, Inc. is an employee-owned corporation operating more than 275 retail stores across eight states with sales of $11 billion annually. The supermarket chain is synonymous with quality, variety, convenience, healthy lifestyles, culinary expertise, and superior customer service. Hy-Vee ranks in the Top 10 Most Trusted Brands and has been named one of America's Top 5 favorite grocery stores. The company's more than 88,000 employees provide "A Helpful Smile in Every Aisle" to customers every day. For additional information, visit www.hy-vee.com.