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.