Hospitals nationwide are facing a critical shortage of PPE supplies due to a spike in COVID-19, but Long Island hospitals are making sure to have at least a 90-day supply of PPE.

In states like Texas, front-line workers are running out of masks, gowns, gloves and other PPE. Austin's mayor says they are on the cusp of a shortage.

"This needs a statewide and a nationwide response," says Mayor Steve Adler.

Just a few months ago, New York was in a similar situation. In May, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that all hospitals must keep a 90-day supply of PPE going forward.

Staff at NYU Winthrop Hospital in Mineola are now using reusable P100 masks, which have a filter with a yearlong shelf life. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Marc Adler says they stockpiled this critical equipment when COVID-19 first surfaced.  

"We've been conserving appropriately making sure that our staff have enough," says Dr. Adler. " But going forward, we've been preparing for what may come."

Dr. David Battinelli, chief medical officer of Northwell Health, says having a 90-day supply is the easy part. Battinelli says the hard part is the day-to-day needs.

"The amount that you could go through in a single day is literally enormous," says Dr. Battinelli. "We can use a million gloves in a day."

Members of the medical community say the availability of PPE equipment going forward is a concern as more of our society, schools and large-scale venues begin to open again.

The governor says hospitals need a waiver from the Health Department if they do not have the required 90-day supply. He says he believes all facilities are in compliance.