GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Early Monday afternoon, claims that 35 confirmed cases of COVID-19 went viral on local Facebook pages, in texts and calls to and from concerned family and friends.

A signed letter dated March 16^th, from the Sutter County District Attorney’s Office on official Sutter County letterhead was circulated to many small businesses and community members via various, yet trusted sources. The disturbing information was put up on Facebook and consequently the misinformation spread like wildfire. It read: “Dear Employee. We are reporting that the COVID-19 is here in Sutter County. We have 35 confirmed cases in Sutter County. 20 have been confirmed in Sutter Ca, 10 in Live Oak and 5 in Yuba City. We hope you take appropriate safety. You as a Law Enforcement will be tasked with locking down Sutter County. We will be locking down the County in 24 hours. Very truly yours, Amanda L. Hopper, District Attorney.”

The letter was quickly confirmed by the District Attorney’s office to be 100 percent untrue. In a statement made by the DA’s Office, “There are no confirmed cases in the community and the letter is a cruel hoax, and this letter was not created or signed by the District Attorney. Furthermore, there is no “law enforcement lockdown” of Sutter County contemplated even if coronavirus is identified in this community. Please see and share only official information.”