Tesla’s fight with Alameda County regarding the automaker’s factory shutdown appears to be over.
A press release issued Tuesday said Alameda County reviewed Tesla’s safety plan for employees and found it appropriate for returning workers to the Fremont factory.
“We reviewed the plan and held productive discussions today with Tesla’s representatives about their safety and prevention plans, including some additional safety recommendations,” the release said. “If Tesla’s Prevention and Control Plan includes these updates, and the public health indicators remain stable or improve, we have agreed that Tesla can begin to augment their Minimum Business Operations this week in preparation for possible reopening as soon as next week.”
Tesla started some production efforts on Monday at its Fremont, Calif. factory, days after filing a lawsuit against county officials who ordered a pause in the manufacturing line to keep employees safe from COVID-19. When California’s governor lifted restrictions, but allowed local officials to implement their own plans, Alameda County decided to keep the stay-at-home order in place, keeping the Tesla plant closed.
Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk, who has downplayed the virus and been critical of orders to keep the factory closed, said Monday on Twitter that the factory was back to producing cars and he was willing to be arrested if officials objected.
The safety plan that seemed to satisfy officials was published Sunday by Tesla.
“Given the Governor’s recent guidance, which is supported by science and credible health data, the state and federal government’s classification of vehicle manufacturing as national critical infrastructure, and our robust safety plan, Tesla has started the process of resuming operations,” the blog post said. “Our employees are excited to get back to work, and we’re doing so with their health and safety in mind.”
The Alameda County press release said that additional approved activities for local businesses, including Tesla, will go into effect next week.