London, Oct 9 (IANS): At least 1,853 additional students and staffers at three UK universities have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, according to the institutions.

In a statement on Thursday, the Newcastle University said 1,003 students and 12 staff members were confirmed to have been infected this week, compared with the 94 positive cases on October 2, the BBC reported.

The varsity further said the "overwhelming majority" of cases were reported in social and residential settings and it was "confident" that appropriate measures were in place to protect everyone on campus.

Students who are isolating or in quarantine were entitled to a 'help package' including access to mental health support, food vouchers and help with laundry, it added.

Meanwhile, the Northumbria University reported 619 new cases.

Last week, it had said that 770 people had contracted the virus since mid-September.

The university added that it was "continuing to make extensive efforts" to provide support for its self-isolating students with online concierge services or food parcels delivered by staff and the students' union, the BBC reported.

Due to the cases spike, both Newcastle and Northumbria have moved majority of the teaching online.

Meanwhile, Durham University also confirmed 219 new cases in students in the past week.

Students living at two of its 17 colleges have been asked to remain on campus and to only attend activities managed by the university for the next seven days.