Germany's health minister says the country has issued nearly 5 million vaccination certificates that are designed to be part of a European Union-wide digital pass system, AP reported.

Germany began issuing these certificates last weekend. Users can upload their coronavirus vaccination status confirmation to the smartphone app.

Pharmacies across Germany have begun issuing certificates to people who have been fully vaccinated but so far have only analog evidence.

These certificates may also be issued at major local immunization centers.

German officials say these certificates have already been used without problems by travelers across Europe.

German Health Minister Jens Spahn said 5 million such certificates will be issued in five days.

As of Monday, 22.3 million people in Germany, or 26.8% of the country's population, had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.