Tesla ordered to keep main US plant closed
Electric car firm Tesla has been ordered keep its main plant in the US closed, as California grapples with a coronavirus outbreak.
Chief executive Elon Musk had told staff "limited" production would resume on Friday at the Fremont factory, near SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, according to CNBC.
But Alameda County says this may result in a spike in coronavirus cases.
Nearly 9,500 cases have already been reported in the San Francisco Bay Area, along with 342 virus-related deaths.
Since 23 March, all but "basic operations" have already been suspended at the plant due to "shelter set up" orders enacted in the county. The factory employs more than 10,000 workers, and makes about 415,000 vehicles every year.
California's government has eased some restrictions around the state this week, allowing businesses to resume operations. But several Bay Area counties, including Alameda, have issued their own requirements for businesses to start, which take precedent.
"Tesla has been informed that they don't meet those conditions and must not reopen," Alameda County said in a statement. "We welcome Tesla's proactive focus on a reopening plan in order that after they fit the criteria to reopen, they can do so in a manner that protects their workers and the city at large."
Tesla did not immediately react to the BBC's request for comment.
Mr Musk has drawn controversy for his opposition to coronavirus restrictions, and his promotion of unproven treatments for the virus.
In some tweets last week, the tech billionaire said "the coronavirus panic is dumb" and "FREE AMERICA NOW".
It comes as Tesla has suspended businesses at its plant in the Chinese city of Shanghai, according to Bloomberg. It had previously closed the factory as a non permanent measure when the virus was at its peak in China.
The business reported a net profit in the first 90 days of this year, and its own stock has risen to nearly $820 (£669; €756). But analysts expect the coronavirus pandemic will adversely affect its earnings in 2020.
