The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is causing an unprecedented global impact on cities across the world. This guidance note aims to support cities in developing member countries of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to effectively and immediately respond to the crisis, and to "build back better" in the short and medium terms. It is anchored to the principles outlined in ADB's Strategy 2030 Operational Plan for Priority 4: Making Cities More Livable and also considers the public health and economic impacts of the pandemic. The guidance note is one of a series produced by ADB for key sectors and thematic areas.