TOKYO -- Japanese stores have been stripped bare of medical masks as the new coronavirus spreads in the country, while Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's push for a nationwide supply of 600 million this month faces obstacles both foreign and domestic.
Coronavirus
Mask shortage in Japan to linger despite Abe's production push
Goal of 600m in March elusive as producers hesitate to spend on equipment
Japan Vilene began round-the-clock operations last month to boost mask production by more than 50%. (Photo by Marie Shimokawa)
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