Goldsmiths is the latest university to experience a coronavirus outbreak, with around 15 people among staff and students testing positive. 

The university, based in New Cross, remains open and says the situation is being closely monitored in case further action is required. 

Over 2,500 Covid-19 cases have been identified among university students and staff across the UK, with more than 50 institutions affected.

A spokesperson for Goldsmiths, University of London said: “Goldsmiths remains open as it is vital that we give our students the best possible learning experience and help them to catch up on any learning they have missed.

"There are fewer than 15 positive cases amongst our community, we’ve been liaising with public health authorities and have comprehensive Covid-19 safeguards across our campus. 

“Government advice remains that in-person teaching should go ahead, alongside online study, provided the right measures are in place. 

“Our response is being managed through the College’s Outbreak Prevention and Control Plan which has been written in consultation with and approved by Lewisham Council’s Director of Public Health.

“We want to reassure our students, colleagues and local community that we are closely monitoring the situation and are ready to take further action as required.”

Around 56 universities across the UK have had at least one confirmed case of Covid-19, an analysis of university responses and media reports suggests.

More than 2,600 positive cases of Covid-19 have been identified at these universities.

Hillary Gyebi-Ababio, vice president for higher education at the National Union of Students (NUS), said: “The rise of Covid rates at universities needs drastic action now.

“It is deeply irresponsible to continue with business as usual and the government and universities must be honest with students about what the pandemic can mean for their university experience.”