 For a while , it was pretended that Claudius was still alive , with all of those involved in the plot ( including Halotus ) undertaking their normal duties . This was done so that arrangements for Nero 's accession could be secure . The news that Claudius was merely sick rather than dead spread widely and Agrippina making requests " on Claudius ' behalf " further fooled the people into believing the Emperor lived . After all of the preparations for Nero 's accession had been made , the death was revealed to the Roman people . 
