Amazon Says it’s Prioritizing Household Staples, Medical Supplies As it Struggles With Coronavirus Orders

Amazon.com Inc. is prioritizing the stocking and shipping of household staples and medical supplies as it struggles to deal with a surge in demand for online orders from customers avoiding stores during the coronavirus pandemic.

The online retailer said in a blog post updated on Tuesday morning, that it was making the move “so we can more quickly receive, restock, and ship these products to customers.”

Also on Tuesday, Amazon told third-party sellers on its marketplace that the company wouldn’t accept shipments from sellers in other product categories through at least April 5. Amazon said it was taking a similar approach with the big brands it buys directly from. Business Insider reported the restrictions on other product categories earlier.

”We understand this is a change for our selling partners and appreciate their understanding as we temporarily prioritize these products for customers,” an Amazon spokesman said in an emailed statement. Products already on their way to Amazon warehouses will be accepted, he said.