BRIGHTON'S universities have seen 150 cases of coronavirus, it has been revealed.

A total of 150 people at the University of Brighton and the University of Sussex have now tested positive for the virus.

This is up from 92, which was revealed by The Argus last week.

Current reported positive cases of COVID-19 at the University of Brighton, including Brighton and Sussex Medical School students, amount to 83 people.

The figure includes 80 students, two staff members and one person from "partner organisations based at the university".

A the University of Sussex, there has now been 67 positive cases, as of October 12th.

The universities are taking a “transparent” approach to share information on coronavirus figures within their communities.

The rise in the number of covid cases comes just days after Prime Minister announced a new three-tier system, aimed at slowing the spread of the virus.

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Regions in England will be rated as level one “medium” risk, level two “high” risk or level three “very high” risk, depending on their infection rates.

Brighton currently remains as 'medium' risk, with pubs and restaurants under a 10 pm curfew, while the rule of six remains in force.

However, the city's director of public health Alistair Hill described the city's recent rise to in cases as "ongoing" and "very concerning" on Tuesday.

There were 227 new cases in the city recorded in the seven days leading up to October 8, compared to 119 the previous week and 39 in the seven days before that.

He said: "The ongoing increase in case numbers is very concerning. We are seeing cases in all age groups, although it is most common in young people.

"We have seen more cases in students in the past few weeks. Both of the universities are working hard to support students while they self-isolate and prevent the virus spreading.

“The virus spreads when people and households mix. This is not a time to take risks. Covid-19 is a highly infectious virus.

"Before going out to mix with other people, please ask yourself: ‘Do I really need to do this and what can I do to reduce my risk?’ ”We are at a tipping point. But we can turn this around if we all play our part by following the hands, face, space guidelines and limiting contact with other people.

"To stop infection spreading it is also crucial to start self-isolating at the first signs of symptoms and book a test.

"Please ensure you self-isolate if have been informed you are a contact of a case. While self-isolating people must not go out or have visitors at home.

“Now more than ever it is vitally important that we all work together to stop the virus spreading further in the city.”