Justin L. Mack | Indianapolis Star

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An untrue April Fools' Day prank making the rounds on social media suggests that Indiana students will have to repeat their current grade because of the coronavirus crisis.

To reiterate: This is not true. At all.

The joke, created by prank websites that can be used to generate social media posts that resemble real news stories at first glance, uses Gov. Eric Holcomb's image and claims that he announced the move during a press conference. That did not happen.

Holcomb addressed the prank and others like it during his Wednesday afternoon press event detailing the latest COVID-19 updates.

Holcomb noted the date, then said he had received calls and texts asking about executive orders it was rumored he'd signed Wednesday. "There were none today and get your information from the Department of Health's website, that coronavirus website," Holcomb said. "Don't get it from someone who's forwarding a forward that's been forwarded. Get your information from the Department of Health."

Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Indiana isn't the only state dealing with the spread of this fake news on social media. Posts mentioning schools in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Illinois and California are also being generated and shared.

The Springfield News-Leader reports that in Missouri, the prank involved a letter circulating on social media Wednesday saying that public school students will not be able to move on to the next grade level during the 2020-21 year because of school closures and the cancellation of state-mandated exams.

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The fake letter appeared to be on Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education letterhead.

"We could not be more disappointed that someone chose to use their free time to create this document, illegally using our department logo, and make a joke about something as serious as students' education," Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education officials posted on Facebook.

"This is particularly insensitive given the anxiety and uncertainty so many students and families are dealing with right now."

In Utah, the prank caught the attention of Gov. Gary Herbert who tweeted, "Now is not the time for irresponsible April Fools' Day jokes."

Now is not the time for irresponsible April Fools' Day jokes. I am tremendously grateful to our teachers for their tireless efforts to continue educating Utah students — and I'm impressed by the dedication of our students who are learning from home. https://t.co/EeVr0GbbLW — Gov. Gary Herbert (@GovHerbert) April 1, 2020

In Indiana, all schools will remain closed through the end of the academic year. and all state testing has been canceled. But students won't be repeating the grade.

The Springfield News-Leader contributed to this story.