CLEVELAND —The Federal Emergency Management Agency will provide Cleveland’s University Hospitals $15.3 million in costs relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to an announcement made Tuesday.

The Ohio Emergency Management Agency said University Hospitals will be reimbursed for costs to provide overtime labor, facility disinfection, personal protective equipment, COVID-19 testing and therapeutics, medical equipment, supplies and security.

“FEMA’s Public Assistance program is an important resource for state and local governments, jurisdictions, and eligible private non-profits to cover eligible COVID-19 expenses,” said Moises Dugan, acting regional administrator, FEMA Region 5. “This grant has helped ensure necessary medical services and equipment are available to fight this virus and protect the lives of Ohioans.”

FEMA has awarded several hospitals throughout the state under the federal disaster declaration of March 31, 2020. 

As of Tuesday, northeast Ohio hospitals had 1,600 COVID-19 patients, which is down 9% from a week prior, according to the Ohio Hospital Association.