The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency says they’re planning to send two more COVID-19 ICU patients to Ontario hospitals over the course of the weekend after relocating one patient Friday.

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency said during a Friday morning media briefing that they expect the number of transfers to Ontario will also increase early next week to roughly two to four  patients per day. These transfers are in addition to the six that have already been transferred already.

During a media briefing Friday morning, SPSA President Marlo Pritchard said Lloydminster, Melville, Meadow Lake, Swift Current, Moose Jaw and Regina all have places where residents can pick up rapid test kits. Pritchard adds the information can be found on the province’s website. It’s also expected that more communities will be able to provide test kits in the coming days as more deliveries come in.

The SPSA is also anticipating that they’ll have more information next week on when federal assistance will be coming to the province to help alleviate the stress the health care sector is facing due to the fourth wave of the pandemic. Pritchard says multiple discussions have been ongoing with the federal government and health authority partners. He expects boots will be on the ground soon.

Dr. Saqib Shahab, the province’s chief medical health officer also told media that parents with children between the ages of 5-11 may be able to vaccinate their children sooner than expected. He said to keep an eye out for when vaccines are made available to the age group.