The total number of cases detected since the start of the pandemic now stands at 94,602.
Tuesday's figures returned to the level generally seen throughout last week after Monday's low figures, which are generally the lowest of the week in absolute terms due to a smaller number of tests carried out on Sundays.
Of 16,419 tests carried out in the last 24 hours, 3.9% were positive, down on the 4.9% rate the day before and just below the 4% rate which is regarded as the threshold at which the virus is spreading in an uncontrolled manner.
The 14-day cumulative infection rate per 100,000 inhabitants dropped a tiny amount from 393.7 Monday to 393.1 on Tuesday.
Anything over 200 is classed as a "very high risk" pandemic situation under the government's four-stage "traffic light" system.
? Pēdējo 24h laikā:
— SPKC.gov.lv (@SPKCentrs) March 16, 2021
▫️veikti 16 419 Covid-19 izmeklējumi;
▫️reģistrēti 643 jauni inficēšanās gadījumi;
▫️saņemti ziņojumi par 8 mirušajiem (divi cilvēki 60-69 gadu vecumā, viens 70-79 gadu vecumā, divi 80-89 gadu vecumā, trīs 90-99 gadu vecumā).
Unfortunately 8 more deaths were also confirmed March 16. Two victims were aged 60-69, one was aged 70-79, two were aged 80-89, and three were aged 90-99 years.
A total of 1,769 people have now died in Latvia as a result of the coronavirus since the start of the pandemic according to official statistics.
March 15 saw 3,245 people getting a first Covid-19 vaccination in Latvia and 63 getting a second dose. So far 82,432 people have received a first shot and 18,177 a second dose.
Meanwhile Lithuania recorded 628 new cases of coronavirus and Estonia recorded 1,463, among them Prime Minister Kaja Kallas.
Kallas said that she has a low fever but no other symptoms and is generally feeling well. “I am monitoring my health carefully and will remain at home until recovery. I will continue fulfilling the tasks of the head of government from home, as in e-Estonia it is very well possible to lead the sittings of the government and participate in other meetings virtually,” she said.
Covid-19 information
You can find all the latest Covid-19 statistics, including breakdowns by geographic location and age, at this official website.
A summary in English of the latest Covid-19 situation including restrictions in place and rules on public assembly is available at this special government website.
Use of nose and mouth coverings is compulsory in all public places indoors, including workplaces, and there are restrictions on what goods can be bought from stores. Physical distancing and frequent hand washing and sanitary cleaning habits are encouraged.
The current state of emergency runs until April 6.
The dedicated Hotline for Covid-19 related inquiries (24 hours, 7 days a week) is 8345. The number for medical emergencies is 113.
March 8 brought the launch of a new (Latvian language) hotline 8989 which allows people to both register for vaccination and receive answers to questions about the process of vaccination.
All arrivals to the country (including returnees) need to fill in an electronic declaration prior to coming to Latvia. It is available at the website covidpass.lv. Until April 6, entry to Latvia is only allowed for the reasons listed in our other story.
Since January 15 arrivals have needed to show a negative Covid-19 test from a maximum 72 hours before arrival.
