It’s a hoax: No, a Las Cruces middle school student is NOT infected with coronavirus

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- A bogus social media post claiming a confirmed case of coronavirus at Lynn Middle School in Las Cruces is completely false, police, school and health officials all said Thursday.

Las Cruces Public Schools was in the process of notifying parents by text messages and letters that the post was entirely untrue, adding that there is "no cause for alarm."

The New Mexico Department of Public Health also confirmed that the social media item was a fabrication. Officials indicated there are currently no confirmed coronavirus cases in Las Cruces or anywhere in the state.

Las Cruces police said they were investigating the post as a threat, treating it similar to cases where bomb threats are made against schools.

Investigators said it appeared a student went on social media with a phony post claiming that another student had the virus - although no name was given.

Police joined the chorus of other officials in emphasizing that the post was found to be a hoax.