The government is advising that people with cancer should be particularly stringent in following social distancing measures. Some people with cancer are more at risk of becoming seriously ill if they contract the COVID-19 infection. We have very little information currently, and consequently you should rigorously follow the social distancing advice.
If you live with others and you are the first in the household to have symptoms of coronavirus, then you must stay at home for 7 days, but all other household members who remain well must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days. The 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill. The Government is currently advising that if you have symptoms and you live with a vulnerable person, you should try to find somewhere else for them to stay for 14 days.
If you are a GIST Cancer patient receiving treatment please continue taking your tablets and discuss any concerns directly with your GIST specialist via email or over the telephone.
Further information can be found in the FAQ document by One Cancer Voice signed off by NHS England https://mcusercontent.com/68b588bc5847cde662b4ac613/files/daff42bf-bc6f-4bd2-830f-350dc13b5fed/One_Cancer_Voice_advice_on_coronavirus_for_people_with_cancer_V2_FINAL_word_version.pdf
If you suspect you have an infection please follow the government guidance https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection
On behalf of everyone at GIST Cancer UK we hope that you stay safe and look out for those close to you.
Nic Puntis – Chair, GIST Cancer UK