Preparedness and response of assisted living facilities toward COVID-19 infection control in Houston, Texas, USA.

Background: Long-term care facilities (LTCFs) including assisted living facilities (ALFs) are hubs for high transmission and poor prognosis of COVID-19 among the residents who are more susceptible due to old age and comorbidities.

Aim: Houston Health Department conducted assessments of ALFs within the City of Houston to determine preparedness and existing preventive measures at the facilities.

Methods: Onsite assessments were conducted at ALFs using a modified CDC Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR) Tool.

Emergence of dual and multicarbapenemase coproducing organisms in the United States.

Carbapenemase-producing organisms commonly carry a single carbapenemase gene conferring resistant to carbapenems and other β-lactam antibiotics. Here, we report rare cases of multidrug-resistant , and strains that coproduce multiple carbapenemases and exhibit extensive drug resistance. Such resistant strains are rarely identified in the United States.