A case of the omicron COVID-19 variant has been found in Italy, according to the country's National Health Institute (ISS).

According to the ISS, the genome was sequenced at a laboratory of the Sacco Hospital in the Italian city of Milan from a positive sample of a patient coming from Mozambique.

The patient and his family contacts were in good health, the ISS added.

Italy on Friday banned entry to travellers who have been in seven southern Africa countries over the past two weeks due to fears over a new coronavirus variant. The countries are: South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia and Swaziland.

At least two other European nations, the UK and Germany, also confirmed two cases of the variant on Saturday.

The European Union (EU) has separately proposed prohibiting travel from southern Africa.

The UK's Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty on Saturday said it is "inevitable" the Omicron variant will spread across the world over the next few days with countries already beginning to report such cases.

Omicron, the new COVID-19 variant was classified as a 'variant of concern' by the World Health Organization (WHO).

(With input from agencies)