DHAKA, June 23 (V7N) — Bangladesh reported three more deaths from COVID-19 and 19 new infections in the past 24 hours, raising fresh concerns among health authorities as sporadic cases continue to emerge.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the fatalities occurred between 8 a.m. Sunday and 8 a.m. Monday, pushing the total number of COVID-19-related deaths this year to 19. The latest cases were identified after testing 406 samples, indicating a daily test positivity rate of 4.68 percent.

The country’s cumulative COVID-19 death toll since the pandemic first struck in 2020 now stands at 29,518. Health authorities did not release the identities or underlying health conditions of the most recent victims, but said they are reviewing the trend to assess whether increased precautions are needed.

Bangladesh confirmed its first case of the coronavirus on March 8, 2020, followed by the first recorded death just 10 days later. The country has since endured multiple waves of infections, with major urban centers like Dhaka, Chattogram, and Khulna bearing the brunt of outbreaks in previous years.

Although the majority of the population is now vaccinated, officials are urging citizens not to become complacent. “COVID-19 is not over. We must remain cautious, especially in crowded places and health facilities,” a senior health ministry official told press on Monday.

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