Objective To summarize the infection prevention and control measures for emergency operations during the epidemic period of COVID-19, thus to protect patients and healthcare workers from COVID-19 infection. Methods Eighty-seven patients needed emergency surgery in which the operating room strengthened standard precautions and implemented a bundle approach of reconstruction of the operating room to be airborne infection isolation rooms, training for medical staff and proper donning of personal protective equipment, as well as protection for patients before, during and after the operation. Results All patients successfully completed the operations. None of the healthcare workers was infected. Conclusion Strengthening protection measures for patients who need emergency surgery would guarantee successful completion of the surgery and can ensure safety of patients and healthcare workers.