The total number of cases since the start of the pandemic now stands at 78,643.
Of 12,251 tests carried out in the last 24 hours, 7.7% of tests were positive, up on the 5.5% 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 17, 2021
▫️veikts 12 251 Covid-19 izmeklējums;
▫️reģistrēti 946 jauni inficēšanās gadījumi;
▫️saņemti ziņojumi par 22 mirušajiem (četri cilvēki 50-60 gadu vecumā, trīs 60-70 gadu vecumā, astoņi 70-80 gadu vecumā, septiņi 80-90 gadu vecumā).
Sadly, 22 more deaths were also confirmed February 17. Four victims were aged 50-60, three were aged 60-65, eight were aged 70-80, and seven were aged 80-90.
A total of 1,508 people have now died in Latvia as a result of the coronavirus since the start of the pandemic according to official statistics.
According to the National Health Service (NVD), 882 patients are currently being treated in Latvia's hospitals for coronavirus symptoms. Of that number 86 have serious symptoms.
? Kopā stacionāros ārstējas 882 pacienti:
— NVD (@VMNVD) February 17, 2021
▫️ jauni Covid-19 gadījumi stacionāros – 92 (t. sk. 9 pārvesti);
▫️ 796 ar vidēji smagu slimības gaitu, 86 ar smagu slimības gaitu;
▫️ pēdējās diennakts laikā no stacionāra izrakstīti 113 pacienti (t. sk. 9 pārvesti) – kopā 7 542.
However, the pace of vaccination continues to be slow. The NVD said that on February 16, 1,071 people received a first dose of Covid-19 vaccine while just 61 received a second dose. So far in total 22,883 people have received a first shot and 16,416 have received both shots.
On February 17, Lithuania reported 376 coronavirus cases and 15 deaths, while Estonia reported 811 cases and two 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.
