The provincial government announced Thursday that three more patients have been confirmed to be transferred to hospitals in Ontario.

One patient is scheduled to go out on Friday, then one Saturday, and the third patient on Sunday.

This will bring the total number of patients transferred from Saskatchewan ICUs up to 9.

Marlo Pritchard, president of the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, addressed the perception that there has been political interference in the decision to transfer more patients.

"We do have conversations with our ministers, which was expected, but the decisions made are based on need and that timely assessment and around the priority of patients getting critical care and a number of factors that have to be looked at on an hourly basis in all fairness," Pritchard said.

There are currently 80 patients with COVID-19 being treated in ICUs and there are 37 patients with non-covid related issues also staying in the ICUs, with 136 ICU beds across the province.

The government released on Wednesday that if 116 beds became occupied, then transfers would be initiated.

"We are anticipating that the number of transfers will increase early next week to roughly two to four patients per day for the next several days to further reduce the strain on the health care system," Pritchard said. 

There have been calls from the Saskatchewan Medical Association, the Saskatchewan Health Authority, and the Opposition NDP to implement gathering restrictions.

The Provincial Emergency Operation Centre confirmed late Friday afternoon that Ontario will be taking up to nine more ICU patients early next week. Ontario will take up to three patients on Monday, up to three patients on Tuesday and up to three patients on Wednesday.