For the second consecutive week Covid-19 infection rates continue to decline in Latvia. This can be explained with the epidemiological safety measures imposed in the country, as noted by the Disease Prevention and Monitoring Centre (SPKC).
In the last 12 days the number of hospitalised patients has reduced 7.9% in Latvia. An average of 119 people are hospitalised every day. At the same time, the number of patients in critical condition is up 6.6%. 16.3% of all hospitalised patients are suffering from severe infection.
Last week, 8th to 14th November, the number of newly uncovered Covid-19 cases dropped 32.9%. During the tight lockdown, which commenced 21 October, the cumulative infection index dropped from 1 463.3 to 1 114.6.
An average of 13 523 tests were performed every day (20 041 the week prior). 1 217 new infection cases were found every day last week (1 812 the week prior). Of all performed tests 25% (23 864) were related to screening at education facilities and 75% (70 800) were related to all other residents.6% (585) of confirmed Covid-19 infections were related to screening of education facilities and the remaining 94% (8 516) for all other residents.
Covid-19 reproduction number also dropped to 0.75 last week (0.8 a week prior). This indicates a slight drop with the spread of the infection.
A drop is observed in all age groups and all regions of Latvia. Nevertheless, infection rates remain the highest in Latgale and Vidzeme.
Looking at last week’s Covid-19 infection cases and vaccination status of those confirmed infected, 5 671 were not vaccinated for Covid-19 or had not completed their vaccination course. This accounts for 67% of all infection cases found last week. 2 845 were vaccinated, which is equal to 33% of all infections found last week. Covid-19 infection was found 2.2 times more often among non-vaccinated residents when compared to vaccinated residents.
With increasing numbers of vaccinations and Covid-19 continuing to spread mainly among non-vaccinated residents, the general infection rate is expected to increase among vaccinated residents as well.
Fortunately, the infection normally passes in light form among vaccinated residents. These people also require hospitalisation less often when compared to vaccinated residents. This is why the percentage of vaccinated and infected residents should be viewed in the context of prevented Covid-19 cases in society.
In the European Union and European Economic Zone the average index has increased 383.9 this week (306.2 the week prior). In Estonia the index has increased and was 1 697.8 last week (1 659.7 the week prior) and in Lithuania the index has increased to 1 401.6 (1493.3 the week prior).
Read also: Covid-19 vaccination coverage in education facilities at 90% in Latvia
SPKC reminds: vaccination is the safest and most effective way of keeping save from severe infection, as well as the only reliable way of reducing the spread of Covid-19 in society.
SPKC also reminds that safety requirements and Covid-19 prevention measures remain in force. These include:
residents should avoid going to public places if they show symptoms of upper respiratory infection (throat pain, coughing, increased body temperature);
residents should wash hands and use hand sanitizers;
residents should wear protective masks properly (with the mask covering the nose and chin);
air rooms regularly (several times a day, opening windows widely);
work remotely whenever possible.
Restrictions help notably reduce Covid-19 infections in Latvia
