There is much to discuss regarding what kinds of changes and shifts the coronavirus pandemic might bring to cities. Some of these could be spatial, subtle changes triggered by social distancing, confinement, and lockdown measures, and others might be articulated in new modes of social interaction and domestic activities. There will certainly be long-term effects on politics, socioeconomics, culture, and the environment. This issue of ‘MONU’ addresses what effects pandemics have on cities, both today and in the past, and analyses their urban impact, yet also looks for new ideas and approaches that improve our dealings with the current situation in these strange times.