Coronavirus: Young Offenders star urges people to stay home after heartbreaking moment with her father

YOUNG offenders star Jennifer Barry has urged young people to take the coronavirus pandemic more seriously after attending a party that could have consequences for her own family.

The actor took to social media to plead with people to stay home and exercise social distancing after she realised her actions could put her family at risk of infection.

Writing on Twitter, Ms Barry said she went out to a house party on Thursday night, celebrating with her friends who were finished college, thinking the coming weeks would be one big lock-in.

“I came home the next day to my dad, near tears with fear. My dad is older than average of people my age so of course there is a higher risk for him."

"As there is for my Mum, who is on heart medication for life, my older brother who has Down Syndrome and a weakened immune system, and my sister who has asthma. 

"However, it was only when I saw my poor dad nearly cry I realized how serious this is."

The young offenders’ actor said she suddenly understood that her actions could lead to her family becoming very unwell or even dying.

“My stupidity could lead to all of them becoming seriously ill, or worse. Please don’t go to lock-ins or house parties. 

"Any of us could have this, any of us could be passing COVID-19 on.” 

Ms Barry said: “If you have to meet a friend, do it in small numbers and make sure you’re outside and stand the required length away from each other. 

"Don’t do this for me or yourself. Do this for your sick friend, Granny, Grandad, brother, sister, neighbour. 

"This is much more serious than most of us are taking it, and it’s going to get a lot worse before it gets better.”