The epidemic of novel coronavirus pneumonia (coronavirus disease 2019, COVID-19) is serious in China. For this highly infectious respiratory disease, controlling the source of infection, cutting off the route of transmission, and protecting the susceptible population are three principles we should follow in combating the epidemic. In this context, neurosurgeons should master the clinical manifestations and epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19, especially for COVID-19 patients undergoing emergency neurosurgery, and it is of great importance to avoid misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis. When emergency neurosurgery is performed for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, it is necessary to strictly comply with the relevant protection regulations of the health administrative department or the medical institution and closely coordinate with all parties of the surgery, and all personnel should pay attention to three-level protection. The surgery must be carried out in the negative-pressure operating room. For the medical units without the above medical conditions, it is recommended to refer COVID-19 patients who need emergency surgery to qualified medical units as soon as possible.