New coronavirus regulations across the UK

I’m Nicci, one of the Support Line nurses at Pancreatic Cancer UK. With the coronavirus regulations tightening across the UK, we know that this is a difficult time for people and might be causing a lot of worry. I will explain what these changes mean for people with pancreatic cancer.

The rate of coronavirus infection has been increasing, and so lockdown was reintroduced in England and mainland Scotland on 5 January 2021. There are also strict restrictions in place in Wales and Northern Ireland. This means that across the UK you should stay at home as much as possible, work from home if you can, and only go out for specific reasons such as exercise, essential shopping and medical care. You can still meet people in your support bubble or extended household.

Shielding has also been reintroduced in England for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable – including people having chemotherapy or who have had their spleen removed. This means you should:

• stay at home as much as possible and limit the amount of time you spend outside your home
• only go out for exercise, medical appointments or if it’s essential
• minimise contact with people you don’t live with
• work from home if you can, but if you can’t work from home don’t go to work – your employer may be able to furlough you, or you may be entitled to statutory sick pay
• avoid going to the shops – instead shop online or ask family or friends to shop for you. You can register for priority online supermarket shopping.

Although shielding hasn’t been formally reintroduced across the rest of the UK, there is similar guidance for people at higher risk from coronavirus in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

You should continue going to medical appointments if you need to. It’s important that you get any help you need, and the NHS will be in touch if anything changes. They have also put measures in place to keep people safe. Read more about cancer treatment at the moment.

We have more information for people with pancreatic cancer who are clinically extremely vulnerable here.

Coping with these changes

We know that this is a worrying time for people with pancreatic cancer. You may be feeling particularly vulnerable as infection rates increase. You may also be worried about what this all means for your cancer treatment, as well as dealing with feelings of isolation and loneliness if you can’t see those close to you. We have information about dealing with the emotional impact of coronavirus, including tips that might help. You can also speak to me or one of our team of specialist nurses on our Support Line about coronavirus, pancreatic cancer, or how you’re feeling. Call us on 0808 801 0707 or email nurse@pancreaticcancer.org.uk

Join one of our Living With Pancreatic Cancer online support sessions

We are also running online support sessions for people with pancreatic cancer in January. These are run by our specialist nurses, and give you an opportunity to speak to others going through a similar experience. Find out more and book onto a session here.

The vaccine

We are all hoping that there is some light at the end of the tunnel with the roll-out of the two coronavirus vaccines. Priority groups who will get the vaccine first include people aged over 70 and clinically extremely vulnerable people, followed by people over 65 and those with long term health conditions such as diabetes. You can read more about the vaccine and priority groups here.

Do take care and stay safe, and get in touch with us if you need support.

Best wishes
Nicci