Audio By Carbonatix
The Japanese city of Osaka is urging its residents to donate plastic raincoats to help hospitals that are running short of personal protective equipment.
Mayor Ichiro Matsui said some health workers had resorted to wearing rubbish bags when treating patients.
"If doctors get infected, we can never beat coronavirus," Mr Matsui said, adding that there was a severe shortage of protective gear.
A notice on the Osaka city website said any colour and style of raincoat was acceptable - as long as they were meant for adults, Reuters news agency reported.
Osaka has nearly 900 cases, making it the second hardest-hit after Tokyo, according to media reports.
A state of emergency was imposed in Tokyo and six other areas, including Osaka, last week. Japan has confirmed more than 8,000 cases and 166 deaths.
Latest Stories
-
Kennedy Agyapong leads final NPP delegate poll with 52%; Bawumia trails at 36%
9 minutes -
Today’s front pages: Monday, January 19, 2026
30 minutes -
Ghanaian family disowns relative after fraud conviction in Australia
39 minutes -
GoldBod data shows 98.8% of Ghana’s small scale gold exports went to Dubai and India in 2025
41 minutes -
Kofi Bentil says Ofori-Atta is hesitant to return over treatment, not charges
46 minutes -
GSA debunks cement price hike claims, says Jan. 19 increase is false
51 minutes -
Driver rams into robbers, foils MoMo robbery at Darkuman
56 minutes -
Smallholders at the centre: Why innovation and diversification are pivotal for Africa’s food future
1 hour -
Plans underway to establish museum on northern Ghana’s slave history in Navrongo
1 hour -
4 killed including two children as runaway truck ploughed into Salon at Kumawu
1 hour -
Open letter to Chief Justice on judicial security, specialised prosecution and extradition
1 hour -
NACSA warns of arrests as final gun amnesty deadline approaches
1 hour -
Eastern NPP Chairman backs Bryan Acheampong for 2028 flagbearer slot
1 hour -
WEF flags unemployment as Ghana’s biggest economic threat in 2026
1 hour -
Fire guts warehouse at Ashaiman Gulf City
1 hour
