[SUMMARY] This study aimed to determine the practices of municipal public health nurses in the first year after COVID-19 was identified as an emerging infectious disease. We interviewed four public health nurses of section chiefs and above, about their practice in health crises during the year since COVID-19 was identified in Wuhan, China.Activities before the COVID-19 pandemic were divided into four main categories, including securing staff resources and supplies. Activities after the confirmation of Japan’s emerging infectious diseases, comprised of the following 12 categories including strengthening measures against emerging infectious diseases, targeting those at high risk of infection; preparing to maximize the effectiveness of infection control measures and preventing disruption to residents and related institutions; and strengthening measures for disruption minimization for residents and related institutions, along with the impact on their health under action restrictions. The results suggest that, enhanced community-based practice during regular circumstances is important not just for natural disasters, but also for preparatory ac practice for infectious diseases. If such a health crisis emerges, the study also suggested the need to continue regular practice, not only to prevent infection but also to prevent detrimental effects on health associated with behavioral restrictions, and to solve problems faced during a health crisis as well as community health issues.