As the first deadline for assistance to Havelock North businesses affected by the gastro outbreak passes, only 11 businesses have reached out to Hastings District Council.
Earlier this month the council announced $100,000 of financial help for businesses affected financially during the outbreak. This scheme was not designed to provide compensation for losses, as these matters were likely to "turn on issues of eventual legal liability".
Yesterday was the final day Havelock North business owners could apply for financial assistance under the first priority category - "where there is a risk the business may not survive".
Those wanting to apply for "second priority" financial assistance, businesses which have been significantly affected, have until September 23.
Yesterday a council spokeswoman said she could not state how many of the 11 applications were first priority, or second, as council had confidentiality agreements with businesses. She said it was a sensitive situation for some businesses, and for others there was a "fine line" as to which category they fit.