This archive report was first published on 10 May 2020.
California health officials have denied Tesla permission to restart production at its Fremont plant, citing concerns over the spread of the coronavirus. In response, Elon Musk has threatened to move the company's headquarters to Texas or Nevada.
On Friday, health officials from Alameda County informed Tesla that it was not yet allowed to resume operations in Fremont. This decision comes despite the fact that manufacturers in other parts of the state have been allowed to restart work after small outbreaks of the virus.
Mr. Musk took to Twitter to express his frustration, stating, "Frankly, this is the final straw. Tesla will now move its HQ and future programs to Texas/Nevada immediately. If we even retain Fremont manufacturing activity at all, it will depend on how Tesla is treated in the future."
He also announced that Tesla would file a lawsuit against Alameda County, claiming that the county's health officer was acting "contrary to the Governor, the President, our Constitutional freedoms & just plain common sense."
Mr. Musk has been vocal in his desire to reopen the Fremont plant, which produces almost all of the vehicles the company sells. The plant was ordered closed in March, and Mr. Musk has been trying to keep it open ever since.
Other automakers, such as Toyota, General Motors, Ford Motor, and Fiat Chrysler, are planning to resume production soon, with some expecting to reopen as early as May 11.
As of May 4, Alameda County had reported 1,961 coronavirus cases and 70 deaths from the disease.
