Objective To explore the impact of quarantine experiences on the public’s perceived infection risk and expectations following the shift in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) policy. Methods From December 7 to 10, 2022, an online questionnaire survey was conducted to collect data on respondents’ past quarantine experiences and their perceived infection risk and expectations after the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions. Independent-samples t-tests and multiple linear regression analysis were used to examine the effect of quarantine experience on the public’s perceived infection risk and expectations. Results A total of 570 valid questionnaires were collected. Among the 570 respondents, 377 had quarantine experience. Those who had experienced quarantine reported a significantly higher perceived risk of COVID-19 infection than those who had not (3.07±1.28 vs. 2.77±1.23, P=0.007). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that quarantine experience [unstandardized partial regression coefficient (b)=0.278, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.069, 0.487), P=0.009] and attitude change [b=0.319, 95%CI (0.251, 0.388), P<0.001] were significant influencing factors of perceived infection risk. Conclusions After the shift in COVID-19 policy, quarantine experience has a significant impact on the public’s perceived infection risk and expectations. Respondents with quarantine experiences have a higher perceived risk of contracting the virus and more pessimistic expectations.
