Taipei, June 23 (CNA) Taiwan on Wednesday reported 104 new cases of COVID-19, all of which were domestic infections, as well as 24 deaths from the disease, according to the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC).

Although the number of new cases is slightly higher than the double-digit numbers on Monday and Tuesday, Health Minister Chen Shih-chung said that overall, the COVID-19 situation is "headed in a good direction."

At the press briefing, Chen also announced that the nationwide Level 3 COVID-19 alert would be extended for two more weeks until July 12, and he urged everyone to continue wearing masks, wash their hands regularly, and leave their homes only when necessary.

Of the new cases reported Wednesday, 45 were in New Taipei, followed by Taipei with 22 and nine each in Hsinchu County and Kaohsiung.

Taoyuan reported seven, Miaoli County four, Keelung three, and Yilan County two, while one each was recorded in Changhua, Nantou and Pingtung counties.

Five of the new cases had an unknown source of infection, while four were under investigation, according to the CECC.

Meanwhile, the 24 deaths were 15 men and nine women, aged 40-90, who passed away between June 13 and June 21.

To date, Taiwan has confirmed a total of 14,260 COVID-19 cases, over 12,800 of which are domestic infections reported since May 15, when the country first recorded more than 100 cases in a single day since the beginning of the pandemic.

The number of confirmed COVID-19 deaths in the country has risen to 599, with all except 12 recorded since May 15, CECC data shows.