The total number of cases since the start of the pandemic now stands at 79,351.
Of 10,929 tests carried out in the last 24 hours, 6.5% of tests were positive, down on the 7.7% rate from the day before. 4% is regarded as the threshold rate at which the virus is spreading in an uncontrolled manner.
? Pēdējo 24h laikā:
— SPKC.gov.lv (@SPKCentrs) February 18, 2021
▫️veikti 10 929 Covid-19 izmeklējumi;
▫️reģistrēti 708 jauni inficēšanās gadījumi;
▫️saņemti ziņojumi par 13 mirušajiem (divi cilvēki 60-70 gadu vecumā, viens 70-80 gadu vecumā, astoņi 80-90 gadu vecumā, divi 90-95 gadu vecumā).
Sadly, 13 more deaths were also confirmed February 18. Two victims were aged 60-70, one was aged 70-80, eight were aged 80-90, and two were aged 90-95.
A total of 1,522 people have now died in Latvia as a result of the coronavirus since the start of the pandemic according to official statistics.
The pace of vaccination is still slow. The NVD said that on February 17, 1,234 people received a first dose of Covid-19 vaccine while 179 received a second dose. So far in total 24,285 people have received a first shot and 16,603 have received both shots.
On February 17, Lithuania reported 365 coronavirus cases and 11 deaths, while Estonia reported 996 cases and four deaths.
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 and the current "quiet period" restrictions regarding Covid-19 have been extended until then. However, some changes might follow depending on the epidemiological situation.
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 February 25, 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 or proof of vaccination or recovery from the coronavirus.
