Wellfleet OysterFest Won't Include Raw Shellfish Due To Norovirus Concerns
WELLFLEET (CBS) – Raw shellfish will not be served at the annual Wellfleet OysterFest this weekend due to norovirus concerns.
Shellfish beds in Wellfleet have been closed effective immediately after 75 cases of suspected norovirus were reported over the last two days.
Health officials said the outbreak is believed to be connected with the consumption of shellfish in the area.
The 16th annual Wellfleet OysterFest will go on as scheduled Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., but no raw shellfish will be served.
"Public safety has always been our top priority, whether it be in crowd management or health issues," said Alex Hay of the Wellfleet SPAT board, which runs the event. "Not only is public safety our main concern, it is also in the seafood industry's best interest, the town's best interest and the Wellfleet brand's best interest."
Other foods will be available at the festival, along with arts and crafts, music, and other attractions.
The OysterFest "shuck off" will also go on as planned, using oysters from other towns.
Shellfish in Wellfleet Harbor, Wellfleet Inner Harbor, Herring River and Loagy Bay has been recalled.
