AMAZON will suspend shipments of "non-essential items" to its warehouses as the ongoing coronavirus pandemic worsens.
The online retailer announced Monday it is prioritizing medical supplies, household staples and other high-demand essentials until April 5.
"We are temporarily prioritizing, household staples, medical supplies, and other high-demand products coming into our fulfillment centers so that we can more quickly receive, restock, and deliver these products to customers," the email reads.
Only "high-demand products" would be accepted due to the escalating pandemic, the company added.
Amazon is reportedly blocking vendors from shipping non-essential products to its warehouses for the next couple of weeks, according to Business Insider.
Six types of products will continue to be accepted at fulfillment centers: baby products, health and household products, beauty and personal care items, groceries, industrial and scientific products, and pet supplies, in addition to personal care appliances.
The drastic move follows a significant uptick in orders as thousands around the world isolate themselves during the recommended social-distancing period of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The surge in orders have led to a shortage of important products, particularly medical supplies.
Amazon wants to prioritize those products for future orders to ensure they'll be available to customers who need them.
It's also caused technology issues for the online retailer as it struggles to keep up with the significant increase in demand.
To combat these problems, Amazon told Fox News it will hire 100,000 workers to keep up with orders during the ongoing outbreak.
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