Why are conservatives saying the Coronavirus is a "Hoax" by the Democrats?

The word "hoax" implies deception. If something is a hoax, then it either isn't true or it is being exaggerated.

I am talking with a conservative who is saying

1) The corona virus is real.
2) The corona virus is a hoax.

Can someone explain to me how this can be true? There is an argument that the Democrats are "using" the coronavirus in a political way... but that isn't a "hoax". That is a completely different issue.

So what does it mean for the coronavirus to be a "hoax"?