Canadian Armed Forces deploying to Sask. to help with COVID-19 fight

Federal Minister of Public Safety Bill Blair announced on Twitter Friday evening that the Canadian Armed Forces will be deployed to Saskatchewan to assist with the growing COVID-19 situation.

"The Canadian Forces will provide communities the support they need to fight the pandemic," Blair tweeted.

Prime Minster Justin Trudeau also confirmed the news on social media.

"As we work to finish the fight against COVID-19, we're going to make sure people across the country have the support they need to stay safe," Trudeau tweeted.

"Saskatchewanians, we've got your back."

The Armed Forces confirmed to CBC News Saturday that it is prepared to help the province with up to six critical care nursing officers, who will be working in intensive care units.

"We are currently working with provincial authorities to ensure these medical professionals will be employed in the best possible location based on the needs of the people of Saskatchewan," an Armed Forces statement said.

The statement also noted the Forces will also provide air transport for in- and out-of-province patient transfers, and — upon availability — up to two medical assistance teams to backfill nurses.

The Armed Forces said it expects to wrap up its assignment by Nov. 17, but that it's prepared to stay longer if needed.

When asked for a response about the news Saturday, a spokesperson for the government of Saskatchewan referred CBC News to Friday's technical briefing with the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre. That briefing was held nearly eight hours before Blair's announcement of military aid.

Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency president Marlo Pritchard, who heads the operations centre, said during that briefing that he expected to have more details regarding "boots on the ground" in Saskatchewan at some point next week.

"Mr. Pritchard said that discussions would be ongoing throughout the weekend and that more details would be shared following that regarding specifics and deployment," said government spokesperson Julie Leggott. "That continues to be the most up-to-date information."

Dr. Alex Wong, an infectious diseases specialist in Regina, says he and other health-care professionals are grateful for the additional support. He said even if the military sends the same number of personnel it sent to Alberta earlier this month, it would help.

"That's enough to staff two [or] three ICU beds," said Wong.