Alberta is bringing in help to try and reduce the burden on the health care system across the province.

Effective immediately, the Canadian Armed Forces will be deploying up to 10 ICU trained staff to the province.

The Canadian Red Cross will also be deploying 20 ICU trained staff with various levels of training.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will be sending a team of 5 or 6 ICU trained staff which will likely be stationed in Fort McMurray.

“We will do whatever it takes to protect Albertans and the health-care system. The steps taken today will help increase our capacity and keep delivering care provincewide, and every bit helps,” said Premier Jason Kenney.

“Alberta has been there for other provinces throughout COVID-19 and we are grateful for any assistance now.”

As part of the Government of Alberta’s contingency plan, the Canadian Armed Forces will prepare to provide medical transport if Alberta needs to transfer patients out of province.

Currently, about 90 per cent of COVID-19 patients in ICU are unvaccinated.