Tesla’s main US factory in San Francisco Bay Area can only maintain minimum basic operations due to coronavirus shutdown

Tesla’s auto factory in Alameda County employs more than 10,000 workers and had an annualised production of over 415,000 units by the fourth quarter

Under an order from regional authorities, it is deemed a non-essential business and can only maintain basic operations such as inventory, security and payroll

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Tesla, whose sole US auto factory in Alameda County employs more than 10,000 workers, has been deemed a non-essential business under the Alameda County Health Order. Photo: Reuters

Published: 10:24am, 18 Mar 2020Updated: 10:29am, 18 Mar 2020

Tesla cannot continue to operate its main US vehicle factory normally as the San Francisco Bay Area has begun a three-week lockdown to rein in the spread of coronavirus, a spokesman for the county sheriff’s office said on Tuesday.

Tesla’s sole US auto factory in Alameda County employs more than 10,000 workers and had an annualised 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 is not an essential business as defined in the Alameda County Health Order. Tesla can maintain minimum basic operations per the Alameda County Health Order,” the spokesman said.

Asked what enforcement measures the county would take if Tesla did not comply, the spokesman only said that Tesla would be in violation of the California health and safety code.

Under Alameda County’s lockdown order issued on Monday, violations or failure to comply is a misdemeanour punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both.

Businesses deemed non-essential can only maintain minimum basic operations under the order, such as maintaining the value of inventory, ensuring security and processing payroll and employee benefits.