Sharp, which makes sensors, camera modules and screens for Apple Inc's iPhones, is set to begin producing masks in mid-March with a daily capacity of 150,000 masks, Nikkei reported, without citing sources.

Sharp, a unit of Taiwan's Foxconn, expects its masks to hit shelves by the end of March.

Masks, worn by many Japanese people during the cold and allergy seasons, are recommended for those who have reason to think they might have the virus.

Masks are in short supply now as coronavirus infections spread and consumers scramble to guard themselves against the virus.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government has called on Japanese businesses to boost mask output, while tapping its budget reserve to combat the virus. The government aims to boost domestic production capacity to 600 million masks per month.

(Reporting by Tetsushi Kajimoto; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)