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Product shortages and unprecedented demand have forced Woolworths to cancel a number of online deliveries and reassess its priorities.
The supermarket says it will be giving first access to its Woolworths Online service to seniors, people with a disability and those in mandatory isolation.
Once those customers have been served the supermarket will provide online deliveries to other customers where possible.
"Significant item shortages in store along with unprecedented demand for home delivery and Pick up services have unfortunately resulted in some customer orders being cancelled," said Woolworths managing director Amanda Bardwell in a letter to customers.
"We took this decision at the earliest possible point given the high level of items out of stock. We know we have disappointed many of you, for that I am truly sorry."
Those eligible for priority access can apply to Woolworths' Priority Assistance program here.
Additionally, Woolworths has suspended its usual delivery operations out of selected Australian supermarkets until further notice.
"We're ramping up delivery capacity out of our dedicated online customer fulfilment centres in order to service as many vulnerable customers as possible," says Bardwell.
"We'll look to resume our usual delivery operations out of our supermarkets as soon as possible."
Home deliveries will also now be contactless, and instead of requiring a signature for proof of delivery drivers will instead be taking a photo of the groceries.
The change to its online delivery service follows the supermarket's decision to dedicate an hour of shopping time at 7am every day to the elderly and disadvantaged.
Updated at 8:50am AEDT on 19 March 2020.
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