Textile firm Teijin said it plans to make more medical gowns, while electronics maker Sony said it is working with several firms to provide more than 1,000 ventilators.

Abe said masks and ventilators are indispensable in fighting the virus, and that hospitals and clinics need them desperately.

Abe assured the companies that his government will buy up any available supplies, and urged them to boldly boost production.

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