Oyster farmers in the Arcachon basin will benefit from “tax benevolence” from the State while awaiting a request for compensation from the European Union, the prefecture announced on Friday. Since December 27, just before the New Year’s Day festivities, they have been subject to a ban on the sale and consumption of their shellfish, due to the presence of norovirus in the farms.
Received by the prefect of Gironde and Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Étienne Guyot, the representatives of the sector estimated the turnover lost since the prefectural ban at 7 million euros, including 5 million euros in shortfall. in terms of gross margin. The State will “ensure that companies which may encounter cash flow difficulties, social or tax difficulties are taken into consideration and supported,” declared Etienne Guyot. No penalties for late payment of taxes or charges should be applied. Partial unemployment measures will be possible.
“Sudden increase in medical activity” linked to acute gastroenteritis
The prefect also said he was aiming for a lifting of the ban on January 19 “provided that the analyzes are favorable”. Analyzes revealed the presence of norovirus, responsible for “collective food poisoning” (Tiac), in Arcachon but also in Calvados, Manche and Vendée. On Friday, the Landes prefecture in turn issued a ban order for Lake Hossegor.
Public Health France recorded last week a “sudden increase in medical activity” linked to acute gastroenteritis in New Aquitaine. Contaminations are now in a “deceleration” phase, specifies the prefecture.