Chlöe Swarbrick is going into self-isolation after being caught up in the Government's moves to stop COVID-19 from getting into New Zealand.
The Green MP has been in Australia, and won't get any special treatment when she comes home. Everyone arriving in New Zealand from Sunday midnight has to enter 14 days' self-isolation, whether they're showing symptoms or not (with limited exceptions).
"I have been overseas and as such will be following the protocols outlined by the Prime Minister," Swarbrick said on Sunday.
"These protocols were designed to keep everyone healthy. I do not have any symptoms, but I am registering my whereabouts with the Ministry of Health and will be following advice."
So far New Zealand has had only a handful of confirmed cases of the virus, which has killed nearly 6000 people in recent weeks. All of the cases so far have involved people bringing it in, and there has been no reported transmission from person-to-person here.
"We will be supporting Chlöe to ensure she can work remotely and we have been in contact with Parliament's Speaker," said party co-leader James Shaw.
"Obviously Chlöe won’t be coming to Parliament or attending any public events."
He said it's common for Green MPs to videoconference into meetings.
"We'll miss Chlöe's presence in Parliament but I'm sure she'll be back before long."
At 25, Swarbrick would be considered low-risk of dying from COVID-19, which hits older generations the hardest.
A number of lawmakers overseas have been infected, including Australia's Peter Dutton.
