Parents are being urged not to share a hoax video about coronavirus testing in schools.
Bolton Council has issued a warning in response to claims 'schools are testing pupils for coronavirus without permission from parents and taking children into quarantine if they test positive'.
Town hall chiefs said they had been made aware of the video 'containing dangerous false information about schools and COVID-19', which is being shared on social media.
It comes as pupils return to the classroom at the start of the September term.
Council bosses have reassured families that the claims are 'categorically untrue' and are urging others not to share the footage.
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Anne Galloway, said: “Spreading false rumours and hoax videos at this time is abhorrent and undermines the hard work that has gone into making our schools a safe and welcoming environment to return to.
“The claims made in this video are not true. Schools will always contact parents if a child becomes unwell and would never arrange a COVID-19 test without parental consent.
“It is so important for the education and wellbeing of Bolton’s children that they are able to get back to the classroom safely.
“I urge parents not to listen to this malicious hoax and ask everyone to stop sharing this video.”
Last week, Sheffield City Council issued a similar warning about hoax messages circulating on social media.
The authority said South Yorkshire Police had been notified and were treating the reports "very seriously".
