OBJECTIVE: to reflect on social control in health and the contributions that nursing can make to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: this is a theoretical reflection, elaborated from discussions based on literature and the experience of authors' performance in social control and in Primary Care. It is divided into two topics: the first, related to aspects of institutionalized social control; the second, related to the perspectives for nursing in this space. RESULTS: limits and relevant aspects for nurses' role in social control are presented, contributing to a perspective of praxis in health based on their ethical-political commitment and their technical competence in the coordination and management of care to face the pandemic. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: nurses' role in social control favors the strengthening of the struggle for the right to life above profits, especially through popular participation in the community context in Primary Care.