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LAWRENCE SMITH
Ricardo Menéndez March is currently in managed solitary confinement.
New green MP Ricardo Menéndez March is currently in a government-run isolation hotel after visiting his family in Mexico.
Menéndez March was born in Mexico and was visiting for a “serious personal family matter,” a party spokesman said.
He returned to the country on February 1 and is therefore near the end of his mandatory two-week stay in Managed Isolation (MIQ).
His decision to leave the country contravenes current travel advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), which encourages Kiwis not to travel abroad at all.
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“We currently recommend that all New Zealanders do not travel abroad at this time due to the COVID-19 outbreak, associated health risks, and widespread travel restrictions,” says MFAT advice.
This has been the advice for almost a year since the Covid-19 pandemic emerged.
The decision to travel comes when the MIQ system has come under great pressure from the number of Kiwis trying to return home and unable to obtain the necessary “vouchers” to travel.
He was tagged in an Instagram photo in late January by a friend in Mexico, although this account was made private shortly after a rumor about his trip emerged.
Menéndez March was not in Parliament on his first day back Tuesday.
A spokesperson for the Green Party said that Menéndez March had followed the proper processes to return.
“Ricardo returned to his home of origin for serious personal family matters,” said the spokesman.
“He followed the proper processes to return. We hope to see you on your return. “
Menéndez March was chosen from the Green Party list in the last elections.
It is understood that Menéndez March asked MBIE for an emergency assignment that would allow him to enter MIQ earlier, but this request was denied.
