Model Y

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Tesla
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SUV

As the United States economy was forced to shut down, Tesla took its time adhering to the shelter in place orders, keeping its factories open longer than others. But after concerns over the virus spread became more serious, Tesla was forced to shut down its facilities. Company CEO Elon Musk said his factories could be used to build ventilators, should there be a shortage. The company even published a video showing progress on ventilators with Model 3 parts but it is unclear if any Tesla-built ventilators have been delivered to hospitals.

California's Bay Area shelter in place order is set to expire on May 3 and Tesla previously stated it would resume production one-day later on May 4. Bloomberg is now reporting that Tesla staff could return to work beginning this week on April 29.

Tesla supervisors reportedly told employees in the paint and stamping operations at the Fremont, California factory to report for work on April 29. Messages sent to the employees reportedly asked them to reply and say if they plan to return to work, insinuating that Tesla is giving workers a choice on whether or not to come back. The Freemont factory handles production of the Model S, Model X, Model 3, and most recently, the final assembly of the Tesla Model Y.

Tesla managed to begin deliveries of the Model Y ahead of schedule just before Covid-19 hit and the company is likely eager to get back to production.

While some states are gearing up to announce efforts to slowly re-open businesses, California has been a hot spot for the coronavirus and may not be ready for such plans. San Francisco Mayor London Breed has said that the Bay Area's stay-at-home order will likely be continued past May 3, meaning Tesla could be violating the order by sending employees back to work.