Amazon is restricting shipments from vendors to its UK distribution centres in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The etail giant is instead focusing on receiving medical products and other goods in high demand during the health emergency. The policy, which affects warehouses in the US and Europe as well as the UK, will remain in place until April 5, Reuters reported.

Amazon told sellers on its site about the change yesterday and attributed the change to the level of online demand. Amazon said it had to focus on particular categories at present in order to “quickly receive, restock, and ship these products to customers.”

Baby products, health products, groceries and pet food are among the goods which sellers can continue to send to Amazon’s warehouses.

Amazon said: “We understand this is a change for our selling partners and appreciate their understanding as we temporarily prioritize these products for customers.”

The change in approach applies to Amazon’s own retail inventory as well as other merchants that trade on its platform.