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More local COVID-19 related updates, changes

MARQUETTE — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced Thursday that it will suspend permits for open burning across the state in response to the COVID-19 virus outbreak.

Because firefighters often work closely together on scene and when traveling to and from incident locations, the suspension of burn permits will help protect first responders and fire fighters from infection by the novel coronavirus.

DNR Forest Resources Division Supervisor Dan Laux said the move will also ensure that emergency responders “are available where they are needed at this time.”

“Suspending burn permits in much of the state means fewer people will be burning debris — the No. 1 cause of wildfires in Michigan. Less open burning means less potential for escaped fires, and that means staff can deal with other, more critical needs,” Laux said. “It’s out of an abundance of caution that we want to support the statewide effort to fight COVID-19.”

Burn permits in the southern Lower Peninsula are issued by local fire departments and governmental offices.

In the northern Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula, permits are issued through the DNR’s website Michigan.gov/BurnPermit.

Residents are encouraged to frequently check the website to see when restrictions are lifted.

In a separate release, the DNR also announced that charter fishing and fishing guide operations that involve boats, canoes and other marine vessels are not currently permitted.

“These operations do not meet any of the variances or exemptions outlined in the governor’s order as activities necessary “to sustain or protect life,” and they may also congregate anglers in violation of the order and state health recommendations,” the release states.

These activities should cease immediately and not resume until at least April 13.

In addition to the DNR’s Law Enforcement Division, Michigan State Police and local law enforcement agencies have full authority to enforce the ban, which is expected to be lifted on or after April 15.

The Michigan Department of Transportation announced Thursday that it will not accept cash transactions for any vehicles conducting cash transactions on the eastbound Blue Water Bridge to Canada.

“All commercial traffic will need to pay by prepaid commuter account cards or debit/credit forms of payment,” a release states. “MDOT encourages any commercial travelers who wish to apply for the prepaid commercial account to visit www.federalbridge.ca and complete the application.”

The Federal Bridge Corporation Limited suspended all private passenger vehicle cash transactions effective March 18 for their westbound bridge crossing. In order to continue to reduce the spread of COVID-19 disease, MDOT’s Blue Water Bridge has added further restrictions on forms of payment and will not accept cash payments for any toll crossing, effective 11:59 p.m. Thursday. Reducing person-to-person contact via cash exchange will help reduce exposure to contagion.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Canada Border Services Agency will suspend normal operations at U.S.-Canada land ports of entry and only process travelers engaged in essential travel.

“The trade of legitimate goods will not be interrupted,” the MDOT release states.

Individuals traveling for tourism purposes such as sightseeing, recreation, gambling, or attending cultural events are not considered essential travelers.

Detailed information on restrictions to entry into the U.S. is available from CBP at https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2020-06217.pdf.

Official guidance on restrictions to entry into Canada is still forthcoming and expected to be similar.

For more information regarding the essential travel definitions or travel restrictions, contact the CBP or CBSA.

Lisa Bowers can be reached at lbowers@miningjournal.net.

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