Elon Musk to CA factory employees: Back to work. Gov. Newsom: This may violate public health order
Elon Musk told employees at Tesla's California factory that they are back to normal in a company email. Governor Gavin Newsom says he's looking into the electric car company's reopening as a potential violation of a public health order.
Tesla on Monday told employees at its one and only U.S.-based factory to return to work just a few days after local officials said the plant must remain closed as lockdown measures remain in effect to curb the spread of COVID-19.
We're happy to get back to work and have implemented very detailed plans to help you keep safe as you return," the email from Tesla to Fremont factory workers said.
The governor said it's ultimately up to the Alameda County Health Department to assess or execute any enforcement actions at Tesla, if people are working there before officials have given Elon Musk's company approval to reopen.
He says possibly as early as next week, Tesla would be permitted to resume work.
Newsom said he's known Musk for "many, many years" and respects the company. He heaped praise on Musk and Tesla during the Monday afternoon press conference.
Background:
Musk said on Twitter recently he plans to move Tesla out of California and into Nevada and/or Texas, because Newsom wasn't loosening coronavirus restrictions quickly enough for Musk's liking.
Tesla tells its California factory employees that they are back to normal in a company email. Governor Newsom says he will look into the current reopening as a potential violation of public health order https://t.co/xv802EAHyL pic.twitter.com/99jDbxQA61
- Reuters Business (@ReutersBiz) May 11, 2020
Governor Gavin Newsom, asked about Elon Musk's frustration with Alameda County's stay at home order:
Newsom reiterates the state allows manufacturing in its current phase. He says possibly as early as next week, Tesla can resume work.
- Ashley Zavala (@ZavalaA) May 11, 2020
NEW: @GavinNewsom expects #COVID19 dispute w/ @Tesla to be settled in the next few days. He looks forward to many decades" of Tesla remaining a California company.
Newsom says he spoke with @elonmusk a few days ago. But, governor was unaware of new plant activity today. $TSLA pic.twitter.com/oDyKVgM4uJ
- Chris Chmura
(@Chris_Chmura) May 11, 2020
Newsom said it's up to Alameda Health Department to assess / execute any enforcement actions at Tesla. $TSLA #COVID19
- Chris Chmura
Newsom says it's up to #AlamedaCounty Public Health (@Dare2BWell) if anything should be done to @Tesla reopening against the county's #StayAtHome guidelines. https://t.co/GTqpAzdu4D
- KPIX 5 (@KPIXtv) May 11, 2020
BREAKING: Gov. Gavin Newsom says Tesla's California plant may reopen as soon as next week. #CheddarLive $TSLA pic.twitter.com/qZbaXauKS7
- Cheddar
(@cheddar) May 11, 2020
Facing numerous questions about Tesla reopening in defiance of Alameda County stay at home orders, Governor Gavin Newsom says he needs more details and was not aware.
He points to the county health department on any possible action that could be taken if that is the case.
- Ashley Zavala (@ZavalaA) May 11, 2020