Amid the continuing economic fallout from the coronavirus outbreak, Tesla on Monday reversed course and canceled plans to bring workers back to its factory in Fremont, California.

The electric vehicle leader on Friday had asked a few dozen furloughed workers to return to work in five days. However, the company backed away from this plan Tuesday in a message sent to workers.

“Per the direction of the executive leadership team, we will not be returning to work Wednesday, April 29,” the message read. “Please disregard all communication and directives on returning to work this week.”

Tesla had planned to restart its Fremont plant as soon as county business restrictions were lifted and which would have allowed the company to remain open at minimum capacity.

It was initially hoped that these restrictions would end in early May but Alameda County announced its plan to keep them in place through the rest of the month. The decision likely prompted Tesla’s reversal but it has not officially commented on the matter.

The Fremont location was ordered to close down on March 19 and remained in operation until March 23 while details were confirmed with local authorities. The plant manufactures Tesla Model S, X, and 3 electric vehicles. Prior to the shutdown, it was also set to begin building and shipping the new Model Y.

Alameda County, which is No. 20 in population amongst U.S. counties, has 1,500 confirmed coronavirus cases and 52 deaths.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been credited with the electric company's surge over the last five months
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been credited with the electric company's surge over the last five months AFP / Frederic J. BROWN
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