The total number of cases detected since the start of the pandemic now stands at 93,484.
Of 13,870 tests carried out in the last 24 hours, 4.2% were positive, slightly up on the 3.5% 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 415.3 Friday to 402.3, 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 13, 2021
▫️veikti 13 870 Covid-19 izmeklējumi;
▫️reģistrēti 578 jauni inficēšanās gadījumi;
▫️saņemti ziņojumi par 11 mirušajiem (divi cilvēki 50-59 gadu vecumā, viens 60-69 gadu vecumā, viens 70-79 gadu vecumā, seši 80-89 gadu vecumā, viens 90-99 gadu vecumā).
Unfortunately eleven more deaths were also confirmed March 13. Two victims were aged 50-59, one was aged 60-69, one was aged 70-79, six were aged 80-89, and one was aged 90-99. Currently 642 people are being treated for coronavirus symptoms in hospital with 77 displaying severe symptoms.
A total of 1,748 people have now died in Latvia as a result of the coronavirus since the start of the pandemic according to official statistics.
March 12 saw 4,630 people getting a first vaccination in Latvia, and 7 getting a second jab. So far 77,904 people have received a first shot and 18,113 a second dose.
Meanwhile in Lithuania 589 new cases were confirmed March 13 and Estonia continues to be hardest hit with 1,586 new cases. Estonia's rate of infections per 100,000 inhabitants over the past 14 days now stands at 1,466, the second highest rate globally.
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.
