NEW MILFORD — Borough police and school officials are investigating a false message posted on social media, apparently by a student, that claimed a New Milford High School teacher had tested positive for COVID-19.

The message, sent through a social media platform, showed an official-looking alert from the New Milford school district stating, "Today, New Milford high school staff has been put under quarantine and are being tested for COVID-19, or more publicly recognized as Coronavirus."

The message said the quarantine and testing were a result of a New Milford High School science teacher, whom it identified by name, testing positive for the virus.

The tweeted screenshot also shows comments below the purported message, one using a racial slur.

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Police Chief Brian Clancy said in an email, "NMPD is aware of the tweet about NMHS. The Covid 19 announcement was not sent by anyone from Board of Education. NMPD detective bureau, School Resource Officers, and high school staff are currently investigating the incident."

New Milford school officials did not respond to requests for comment.

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New Milford Mayor Michael Putrino said he spoke to Schools Superintendent Michael Polizzi about the matter and was informed that it was not an official message from the school district, but declined to comment further.

Putrino has said New Milford has two residents who have tested positive for the coronavirus. Federal privacy rules forbid the release of patient's names and all but the most basic information about cases.

As of Wednesday, the state of New Jersey had reported 427 confirmed positive cases, including five deaths.

Ricardo Kaulessar is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: kaulessar@northjersey.com Twitter: @ricardokaul