During and since my 3 weeks in the NHL Bubble, I’ve been talking with the people overseeing it, including public health authorities from several levels of government. Asked about the biggest frustration they face on a daily basis, they agreed: misinformation on social media.

Between Covid deniers, anti-maskers, anti-vaxxers, science deniers and others spouting unfounded fringe theories, they say their attempts to educate the public and guide them through this crisis have been made infinitely more difficult, and in many cases have prolonged it.

You can’t re-create the isolation of the bubble, but as those overseeing it point out, hundreds of hotel, restaurant, arena, security and other employees go in and out of it every day. How then is the integrity of the bubble maintained? Mandatory guidelines, strictly enforced.

Every person in the bubble has to wear a mask in the common areas and practice social distancing. Those who are observed not doing so are politely but firmly reminded that the guidelines are for everyone, whether they are in the bubble full time or entering and leaving it daily.

The message from the public health authorities I speak with is simple: if you want to believe social media misinformation over the experts and refuse to follow the guidelines, understand that you are prolonging this crisis, and making a return to “normal” even more difficult.

Here is what we know is effective:
-wear a mask when in close contact with other members of the public
-practice social distancing
-wash your hands
-report any symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain)
-don’t pass along unverified information on social media