Tesla News: Electric Vehicle Company’s California Factory To Stay Open Despite Coronavirus Lockdown

Tesla’s (TSLA) electric vehicle factory in Fremont, California, will stay open, despite a lockdown due to the coronavirus outbreak, the Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday. The factory is located in Alameda County, one of six counties in northern California affected by a three-week “shelter-in place” order, which advises people to stay at home except for essential activities such as grocery shopping and doctor visits.

An Alameda County spokesperson told the L.A. Times that the factory is an “essential business,” with the factory employing more than 10,000 people. Tesla has said that the factory would remain open for the foreseeable future.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has told employees in an internal memo Monday to not show up to work if they felt the “slightest bit ill or uncomfortable.” Previously, Musk has previously called the coronavirus panic “dumb.”

The global coronavirus outbreak has had major consequences for Musk and Tesla. In January, Tesla was forced to temporarily shut down its Shanghai factory, dampening production.

Tesla stock has also cratered from being above $900 in February to $430 a share at market close Tuesday. This loss of market capitalization would keep Musk from a lucrative payout.

Coronavirus cases rose above 5,000 in the U.S. on Tuesday, with the domestic death toll rising above 100. The virus has also hurt businesses, with restaurants and bars closed in many states, as well as movie theaters and professional sports.