The Medical Society of New York on Thursday cheered a bill in the U.S. Senate that would provide personal protection equipment like N-95 masks for community physicians as the coronavirus pandemic worsens in many parts of the country. 

The group pointed to a recent survey of its members finding two thirds of doctors that say they at least sometimes have trouble finding personal protective equipment. Nearly all of those who responded said it takes them at least four weeks to obtain protective equipment when they order it.

And more than half, 53%, responded in the survey that their costs for personal protection equipment has increased by at least 25% from levels prior to the pandemic. A third of doctors responded that the lack of affordable or available PPE has already affected their care of patients. 

"The survey results indicate that further government intervention is urgently needed to help make PPE more widely available to our community physician practices," the group said in a statement. "We look forward to working with Senator Schumer and our New York Congressional Delegation on measures such as that announced today to help expand this availability so that patient care is not disrupted or delayed due to these shortages.”