Planning for a pandemic in cities: Who do we plan for first?

Modern-day regulations for the built environment, public utilities and, health systems that define the existing urban settlements emanated from the need to contain the spread of contagious diseases, such as cholera and typhus during the Industrial Revolution. However, reforms are needed to contain the spread of pandemics in the current complex urban systems, and to address the impact across critical sectors. Simply put, to contain fast-spreading pandemics and stay ahead of the curve, our emergency response mechanisms and infrastructural facilities need to be inter-connected and well-equipped.