A YOUNG LIMERICK couple have urged the nation to take both social distancing and coronavirus itself seriously after their two-year-old son tested positive for the virus.
Jayce Lyons (2), was diagnosed last Friday, and his parents admitted that they hadn't really been too fearful of the disease, until it arrived at their doorstep.
Their son began feeling ill around five weeks ago, before developing a cough and a runny nose.
He was diagnosed with a chest infection and given antibiotics, but after the infection cleared, the cough only got worse, at which point his parents knew something was wrong.
Eventually they managed to get Jayce a covid-19test, and after six days of nervous waiting, it came back positive.
Speaking to the Irish Mirror, mum Laura said: "When I heard [he'd tested positive] you'd actually swear that my child was being found dead with the cries out of me.
"It's very worrying. We have just one child, he's my one and only."
She then warned others about the necessity of social distancing, urging young people especially not to gather in groups.
"I would say take it seriously. I wasn't taking it serious until it came knocking at my own front door with my own child," the 21-year-old said.
"It's the elderly you have to worry about too, and who you are bringing it home to. It's worse for people that have [medical] problems."
In a Facebook post, Jayce's father, Dylan Williams, reiterated the same message.
"We got some bad news that our son Jayce, tested positive for the virus, he is in hospital since this morning coughing and catching his breath here and there.
"Lads, take this serious, when it hits your own door steps you won't be happy, keep your kids inside and stay safe."
See More: Co Limerick, Coronavirus, Social Distancing
