Germany on Saturday confirmed its first two cases of the omicron variant of COVID-19, local media reported.

The two cases were detected in Munich in the southern state of Bavaria, according to the state health ministry.

The two people entered Germany at Munich airport on November 24, prior to Germany classifying South Africa as a virus-variant area.

The ministry added that the duo is in self-isolation at home.

The announcement follows a similar one by the UK on Saturday which also confirmed two cases of the Omicron coronavirus variant in two areas.

Earlier on Saturday, officials in the western state of Hesse cautioned that the omicron variant of the coronavirus had probably arrived in Germany after mutations were found in a passenger arriving from South Africa.

(With input from agencies)