Coronavirus infection in Russia. February 18

- Latvia will allow Russian tourists to enter the country from March 1 as long as they present a negative PCR test, authorities in the Baltic country announced. Previously, visitors needed a European vaccination certificate to cross Latvia's borders. While Latvian authorities haven't yet resumed issuing of tourist visas, the country is open to individuals with Schengen visas.

- Russians will be able to take an antibody test to obtain a coronavirus health pass from Feb. 21, the Health Ministry said Tuesday.

QR codes will be issued to Russians who test positive for Covid-19 antibodies, regardless of their vaccination status.

- After a three-day decline, Russia saw an an increase of Covid-19 infections with a total of 180 622 new infections and 790 deaths.

- Russia saw a record number of coronavirus hospitalizations Tuesday, with 21 833 patients hospitalized.