FEMA awarded Iowa $44 million for COVID-19 response. The funds were officially obligated Saturday and fall under the major disaster declaration that was approved March 23rd. The money will be used to help the state purchase personal protective equipment to assist hospitals, clinics, city and county governments, and certain non-profits across the state. That equipment may include masks, face shields, safety glasses and gloves, isolation gowns, thermometers, sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, respirators, and ventilators. FEMA assistance will be provided at the 75% federal cost share.