Nepal asked its hospitals on Friday to reserve beds for children for fear another surge in coronavirus infections will hit them hard, something officials in neighbouring India are also preparing for.

The move came as the government approved for emergency use the Covid-19 vaccine made by Sinovac Biotech of China.

Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s government has been criticised for its handling of the second wave in Nepal. “Hospitals and medical institutions must set aside at least 20 per cent of beds for children, who are likely to suffer the most in the potential third and fourth waves of coronavirus,” the ministry of health and population said.