Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) pneumonia(NCP) is an emerging infectious disease. This paper assesses the characteristics of 2019-nCoV, epidemiology and clinical characteristics of NCP, as well as some problems in infection prevention and control. It is suggested that prevention and control of NCP in medical institutions should be strengthened by pre-examination and triage, early identification of patients and timely management of infection sources. It is necessary to implement standard preventive measures; take supplementary preventive measures when contacting suspected and confirmed patients, prevent infection among health care workers; conduct training, monitoring and supervising; adopt environmental and engineering control measures, strengthen discipline construction of infection and infection control.