The Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (SPKC) has recently observed a moderate increase in the spread of Covid-19 in Latvia, similar to what has been seen in many other European Union countries, the SPKC reports.
Other EU countries have also experienced rising Covid-19 infections in recent weeks, although overall activity remains low and the impact on healthcare facilities is relatively limited. Based on the experience of previous summer seasons and the persistence of Covid-19 risk factors, a moderate increase in infection intensity and hospitalisations can be expected in the coming weeks, the SPKC assesses.
In the second week of August (August 11–17), the proportion of laboratory-confirmed positive Covid-19 samples reached 14.9%. For comparison: in the fourth week of July this figure was 4.3%, in the last week of July – 5.8%, and in the first week of August – 8%.
Hospitals have also seen an increase in newly admitted patients with Covid-19 infection over the past week. In the first week of August, eight patients were hospitalised with a Covid-19 diagnosis, while in the second week the figure rose to 22.
In the last two weeks of July and in August, six deaths were reported among patients with Covid-19 infection,
whereas no deaths were recorded in the first half of July.
The SPKC notes that a rise in Covid-19 cases was observed during the same period in the previous season, and that last year’s incidence rates were higher than those seen so far this season.
Wastewater monitoring results also point to increased circulation and spread of the virus in the community.
In preparation for the autumn and winter season, Latvia also has an updated seasonal Covid-19 vaccine available, which protects against severe forms of the disease caused by the currently dominant sublineages of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, the SPKC highlights.
The SPKC stresses that Covid-19 spread still does not show clear autumn or spring seasonality, and
a similar worsening of the epidemiological situation was observed during summer months in previous years
as well. The reasons include waning immunity against Covid-19, increased socialising and mobility during the holiday season, including more frequent attendance at public events and international travel, which promote the spread of new variants.
The SPKC reminds that Covid-19 infection can still cause severe illness in people belonging to risk groups: the elderly, people with chronic illnesses, and those with weakened immunity. Therefore, it is important to always observe basic preventive measures – regularly and thoroughly wash or disinfect hands, avoid touching the face with unwashed hands, cover mouth and nose with the elbow or a disposable tissue when coughing or sneezing, ventilate rooms frequently, and avoid direct contact with sick individuals.
Fresh air and outdoor activities also help reduce the risk of infection.
In case of Covid-19 or other respiratory illness, the SPKC advises wearing face masks or respirators to reduce virus transmission and protect those around you.
Vaccination against Covid-19 remains recommended for people in risk groups and is still state-funded, the centre reminds.
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