A college has responded after images of a "coronavirus contamination" notice was posted on classroom doors around the college.
And image of one door at Hugh Baird College quickly went viral online and caused significant panic among students and parents.
Rumours that two students were sent home with symptoms of the COVID-19 virus also spread amongst the college population.
The notice posted on classrooms said: "Please do not use this room until this sign is removed due to possible coronavirus contamination."
A number of concerned parents contacted the ECHO after an image of the makeshift sign was shared on Snapchat and Facebook but a spokesperson for the college has now confirmed this was a "prank" orchestrated by students.
An investigation into the prank and who carried it out has now been launched and the student, or students, responsible will be punished.
In a statement, the college said: "We have been made aware of a photograph circulating social media that shows a sign on one of our classroom doors stating that the room is being deep cleaned due to a possible coronavirus contamination.
"In response to this image and to provide assurance to parents, guardians, carers, students and visitors, the college would like to firmly and promptly clarify the situation.
"We can categorically state that the signage was not authorised nor put in place by college staff.
"We believe that the sign may have been posted on the door as a ‘prank’ by one of our students.
"We take such misconduct very seriously and have launched a full investigation. Those parties found responsible will be dealt with in accordance with the college’s student disciplinary policy.
"In fact, the door pictured is a defunct internal classroom door that has not been used for some time, and, as a result, it has been blocked off on the classroom side in order to provide an improved space for learning.
"The classroom in question is very large and has two doors by which students and staff can enter and exit."
Addressing the rumours that two students had been sent home with symptoms of the virus that has now killed six people in the UK, the college said this was not exactly the case.
In the statement they confirmed that two pupils rang the college concerned that they weren't feeling well and to get advice about what to do next.
The college said: "We have received telephone calls from two students who have felt unwell and one who returned from overseas travel recently requesting further advice as to whether they should attend college.
"None of these cases are confirmed as being COVID-19 / coronavirus."
The college also confirmed that it would be writing to all employees and students to provide further information on what to do if they have any concerns regarding their health which may impact on their ability to attend college.
This information will also be posted on their website and social media channels.
Merseyside now has six confirmed cases of coronavirus with five patients being diagnosed in Liverpool and a sixth in Wirral.
It is believed that all of these cases were found in people who travelled back from Italy and their family members who had been in contact with them.
