Tesla's sole U.S. auto factory in Alameda county employs more
than 10,000 workers and had annualized production of slightly
over 415,000 units by the fourth quarter.
The county is one of six covered by a 'shelter in place' order
from regional authorities that limits activity, travel and
business functions to only the most essential, and advises
people to stay home except for the most crucial reasons.
Tesla and Alameda County officials did not immediately respond
to Reuters requests for comment.
The factory is planned to be in operation on Tuesday, Tesla told
factory employees, the Electrek report https://electrek.co/2020/03/16/tesla-fremont-factory-shut-down-shelter-in-placeed,
citing comments received from Tesla workers.
But it was unclear if Tesla managed to get an exemption of the
type mentioned in the order for "auto-supply," it added.
Citing a county spokesman, the Los Angeles Times said Alameda
county had declared Tesla an "essential business" that is
allowed to remain in operation.
In an internal memo on Monday, Chief Executive Elon Musk told
Tesla employees he was not aware of any who had tested positive
for the virus, and urged them to stay home if they felt the
"slightest bit ill or even uncomfortable," sources familiar with
the matter told Reuters.
Bay Area counties reported 273 virus infections by Monday.
California has reported six deaths from the respiratory illness.
(Reporting by Ann Maria Shibu in Bengaluru and Yilei Sun in
Beijing; Editing by Miyoung Kim and Clarence Fernandez)
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