Spain’s Catalonia suspends Covid pass as website crashes

MADRID: Catalonia suspended the launch Friday of new rules requiring a Covid pass to enter bars and restaurants in the Spanish region after its website was unable to keep up with demand for permits.

Until now, Catalonia has only required the so-called ‘Covid passport’ for nightclubs, but on Friday extended it to include bars, restaurants, gyms or care homes.

It is not required for customers sitting on bar or restaurant terraces.

The wealthy northeastern region, became the first in Spain to require a Covid pass to enter bars and restaurants, although other areas are mulling following suit due to rising infections.

But regional health minister Josep Maria Argimon announced on Friday afternoon that the Catalan government had “decided to temporarily suspend” use of the pass because the website that issued them had crashed due to “very intense traffic”.

“We will analyse the whole situation again on Monday. We are working to technologically reinforce the portal,” he said.

Although Spain's infection rate remains far below that seen elsewhere in Europe, thanks to its high vaccination rate, officials are worried the surge in cases will spiral as the Christmas holidays near.