Amazon is truly the poster boy for the outrageous consumerism of our time: you can get whatever you want, whenever you want, right to your doorstep. But that’s no longer really possible with coronavirus.

The high demand for medical cleaning supplies has been overwhelming for the company, especially in tandem with other consumer goods. That’s why Amazon is putting a restriction on the shipping of non-essential items so that they can focus on medical supplies that truly matter. Until April 5th, independent or third-party merchants will be unable to ship items other than medical supplies and household staples to Amazon’s warehouses and fulfillment centers.  

The company hopes that this strategy will help to “more quickly receive, restock and ship these products to customers,” according to a statement sent to vendors. Amazon relies heavily on third-party vendors to maintain its vast selection of goods. However, even a giant company like Amazon only has a limited amount of warehouses. By assigning more shelf space to medical supplies and household cleaning items, the company can increase its inventory and customers can ideally avoid going to the store and risk transmitting or contracting the COVID-19 virus.

Of course, this could take a toll on vendors as it takes away a vital source of income. But at a time where the health of people is more salient than ever, we think this is a necessary move. And hopefully, it could also spur new ways for vendors to do business without having to rely on the giant that is Amazon.