The numbers for the last three days have been remarkably consistent with 638 cases on Thursday and 639 new cases on Wednesday.
The total number of cases detected since the start of the pandemic now stands at 92,906.
Of 18,026 tests carried out in the last 24 hours (the highest total since the start of the pandemic), 3.5% were positive, slightly down on the 3.6% rate the day before. 4% is regarded as the threshold rate at which the virus is spreading in an uncontrolled manner.
The 14-day cumulative infection rate per 100,000 inhabitants dropped from 429.4 Wednesday to 420.2 Thursday and 415.3 Friday, continuing a steady and encouraging downward trend.
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 12, 2021
▫️veikti 18 026 Covid-19 izmeklējumi;
▫️reģistrēti 632 jauni inficēšanās gadījumi;
▫️saņemti ziņojumi par 9 mirušajiem (trīs cilvēki 60-69 gadu vecumā, divi 70-79 gadu vecumā, četri 80-89 gadu vecumā).
Unfortunately nine more deaths were also confirmed March 12. Three victims were aged 60-69, two were aged 70-79, and four were aged 80-89. Around 700 people are being treated for coronavirus symptoms in hospital with around one in ten displaying severe symptoms.
A total of 1,737 people have now died in Latvia as a result of the coronavirus since the start of the pandemic according to official statistics.
March 11 saw 2,382 people getting a first vaccination in Latvia, and 10 getting a second jab. So far 72,981 people have received a first shot and 18,105 a second dose.
Meanwhile in Lithuania 355 new cases were confirmed March 12 and Estonia continues to be hardest hit with 1,358 new cases. Estonia's rate of infections per 100,000 inhabitants over the past 14 days now stands at 1,465.
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.
