NEW BUFFALO, Mich.— The City of New Buffalo issued a warning to managers and owners of lodging and short-term rental properties on April 3.

In the letter, signed by City Manager David Richards and Police Chief Rich Killips, the city said it has received complaints from residents regarding non-residents and out-of-state visitors coming to New Buffalo to vacation during Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home executive order.

The city said in the warning that vacation lodging or short-term vacation rentals do not qualify as essential businesses and should not accept vacation guests until after the the stay-at-home order is lifted.

Police in New Buffalo have broken up parties and large gatherings which resulted in written reports and warnings, the city said.

The warning serves as an official notice that New Buffalo Police may take additional steps to enforce the executive order, including making arrests or issuing fines.

According to the city, lodging operators who provide food, shelter, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged people, people who need assistance or those who have disabilities are allowed to remain open under the stay-at-home order.