The total number of cases since the start of the pandemic now stands at 89,414.
Of 15,923 tests carried out in the last 24 hours (the largest number of tests carried out in a single day so far), 4.7% were positive, up slightly on the 4.3% ratio the day before. 4% is regarded as the threshold rate at which the virus is spreading in an uncontrolled manner.
However, the 14-day cumulative infection rate per 100,000 inhabitants rose slightly after several days of decline, from 488 Thursday to 491 Friday. 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 5, 2021
▫️veikts 15 923 Covid-19 izmeklējums;
▫️reģistrēti 746 jauni inficēšanās gadījumi;
▫️saņemti ziņojumi par 14 mirušajiem (divi cilvēki 50-59 gadu vecumā, trīs 60-69 gadu vecumā, četri 70-79 gadu vecumā, pieci 80-89 gadu vecumā).
Unfortunately fourteen more deaths were also confirmed March 5. Two victims were aged 50-59 years, three were aged 60-69, four were aged 70-79, and five were aged 80-89.
A total of 1,666 people have now died in Latvia as a result of the coronavirus since the start of the pandemic according to official statistics.
The National Health Service (NVD) said that on March 4, 5,279 people received a first vaccination dose while 110 received a second dose. This is the largest number of vaccinations yet carried out in a single day.
In all 58,146 people have received a first dose and 17,809 have received two doses.
?4. martā pirmo vakcīnas devu pret Covid-19 saņēmuši 5 279 cilvēki, otro - 110 cilvēki. Kopumā līdz šim pirmo vakcīnas devu saņēmuši 58 146 cilvēki, no tiem abas devas saņēmuši - 17 809 cilvēki. Datus atradīsi: https://t.co/b0Ytx7S6BX.
— NVD (@VMNVD) March 5, 2021
On March 5 Lithuania reported 434 new cases of coronavirus and 5 deaths. Lithuania's 14-day coronavirus infection rate currently stands at 247.9 per 100,000 people.
Meanwhile the situation in Estonia escalated further with 1,536 cases confirmed during the last 24 hours, the second-highest daily total since the start of the pandemic. Fourteen deaths were also registered and its 14-day cumulative morbidity rate stands at 1,197 cases per 100,000 of population.
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.
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.