Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) technical guidance: Country readiness

To view all of WHO’s country and technical guidance on COVID-19 please visit our publications hub

Strengthening Preparedness for COVID-19 in Cities and Urban Settings

This document is to support local authorities, leaders and policy-makers in cities and other urban settlements in identifying effective approaches and implementing recommended actions that enhance the prevention, preparedness and readiness for COVID-19 in urban settings, to ensure a robust response and eventual recovery. It covers factors unique to cities and urban settings, considerations in urban preparedness, key areas of focus and preparing for future emergencies.

- Access the publication (Uploaded on 28 April 2020)

Draft operational planning guidance for UN country teams

The purpose of this document is to provide a practical guide for the UNCTs and partners to develop a CPRP to immediately support national governments to prepare for and respond to COVID‑19. The initial CPRP should be developed for a 3-month period from 1 February to 30 April in alignment with the SPRP. Subsequent CPRPs will be developed based on the evolving situation and needs.

This guide outlines the priority steps and actions to be included in the CPRP across the major areas of the public health preparedness and response.

- Access the guidance ( 12 February 2020)
- COVID-19 Partners Platform based on Operational Planning Guidance
- Training modules: Operational Planning Guidelines and COVID-19 Partners Platform

National capacities review tool for a novel coronavirus

The main aim of the national capacities review tool is to better understand existing capacities in the area of detection and response to a novel coronavirus (nCoV) that is zoonotic and causes respiratory disease. The tool was developed with other coronaviruses, such as SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, in mind and in consultation with member states. This information will help national authorities to i) identify main gaps ii) perform risk assessments and iii) plan for additional investigations, response and control actions.

- Access the publication (10 January 2020)