Montgomery County Medical Director Dr. Shravan Gangula spoke at the First Friday virtual event on the city of Independence's Facebook page Friday morning to give an update on the COVID-19 numbers in the county and to stress the importance of continuing to take necessary precautions.

According to Gangula, all ICU's in a 100-150 mile radius have reached capacity. He said that it has been difficult dealing with sick ICU patients since they might have to be transferred as far as 200 miles to get an ICU. Gangula said that it's hard for families to be that far away from loved ones who are sick.

As for the vaccine, Gangula talked about the side effects and that folks shouldn't be worried about them.

Gangula also noted that all frontline personnel have been vaccinated and the county is working on vaccinating long-term care residents next. There is no update on when the vaccines will be available to the general public.