The impact of COVID-19 has been felt across the globe in a wide range of countries and very different environments. The pandemic has already affected countries in every region, making this a truly global situation where every country must take steps to prepare and respond. UN-Habitat has a clear added value in supporting national and local authorities as they take up this challenge.

One billion people live in informal settlements and slums worldwide.  It is critical that they are given support to stay healthy given the challenges of practicing basic measures to protect themselves against COVID-19 such as handwashing and physical distancing and to prepare for any outbreak. Download the key messages below.

As COVID-19 spreads around the world, billions of people have been told to stay at home. However, this simple preventative public health measure is impossible for people who live in homelessness, or in unsafe or overcrowded housing.

Public transport remains an essential service during the pandemic. Even as most people stay at home, cities must provide priority access to people who most need affordable and safe transport including those with disabilities, frontline health care and other essential workers. Informal settlement dwellers far from city centres need public transport to access the labour market and earn daily wages. And many have no other means of reaching medical facilities and other services.

Access to safe water and sanitation services is critical to stop the spread and reduce the impact of COVID-19 in urban settings. The water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) needs of people living in informal settlements and slums, require specific attention.

Existing social inequalities facing women and girls living in urban areas are likely to be exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on movement have changed the relationship of citizens to their streets, public spaces and public facilities. Clearly public spaces must be part of the response to the virus whether to limit the spread of the virus, or to provide ways for people to relax or carry out their livelihood.