California officials say Tesla workers are now “essential.”


Aerial view of the Tesla Fremont Factory on May 12, 2020 in Fremont, California.

Aerial view of the Tesla Fremont Factory on May 12, 2020 in Fremont, California.
Photo: Justin Sullivan (Getty Images)

Workers who made Teslas during the coronavirus epidemic are now apparently considered “essential” in the state of California., Which averaged 10,981 New Covid-19 infection Per day last week. This means that Tesla workers will not be affected by the state’s newcomers Staying at home is limitedIs, which is effective from Saturday.

California’s Gavin News announced the new order on Thursday “In light of unprecedented, rapid growth There are 19 Covid cases in California, the governor’s office said in a press release. The order bans most non-essential work, movement and gatherings for counties from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Purple layer,” Or that state is considered to be at the highest risk for disease transmission. In these counties, many non-essential indoor businesses are closed.

This week, News announced that 41 counties Purple is now considered the color, representing 94% of California’s population.

“The virus is spreading at a pace we have not seen since the beginning of the epidemic and the next few days and weeks will be serious to stop the outbreak. We are sounding the alarm, “News said in a statement. “We are critical to the work of transmission and slow hospitalization before the death toll rises.”

The order will remain in effect until December 21.

While the stay-at-home order will apply to most California residents, it will not apply to Tesla workers. CNBC reported The California Department of Public Health classifies Tesla employees on Friday Essential workers.

“Limited stay on home orders does not apply to these employees because they are considered essential workers – the product is listed as an essential workforce. You can find more here. ”The department told CNBC. Wrote in response to the inquiry of, a State list of workers required by sector. “The critical manufacturing sector identifies many industries to operate as a core segment of the sector, including transportation equipment manufacturing products. When operating, the industry guidelines for manufacturing in this sector should be followed.”

The list of required workers was last updated on September 22, according to the website. The state’s public health department said at the outlet that it had issued guidelines in July aimed at “supporting a safe low-risk environment for workers.” However, CNBC found that the guidelines have not been updated with any new requirements or precautions for factory workers.

While Tesla’s employees are suddenly considered “essential” workers, it’s not exactly surprising given the ongoing battle between the company’s CEO, Elon Musk, and California officials, though Is A face.

In March, Alameda County officials told Musk that producing Teslas is not a necessary service and Or its Fremont, California factory The venue order had to maintain a minimum operation during the state shelter, which asked the CEO-starred full-fledged soap opera. Musk Closed soon His factory, then reopened in violation of county rules and dared officers His arrest. Shortly afterwards, he announced that it was Tesla To sue the county And claimed to have planned to move the company’s headquarters and future programs to Texas or Nevada. County officials did not arrest him, of course, and then came back and said they had “Agree” Let the factory reopen. Tesla dismissed the lawsuit against the county.

Back to the spot: Now, it looks like California officials don’t want to go on the Elon roller coaster again, even if we’re in bad shape. Put in than we were in the spring. While it is clear that maintaining the economy is important, it is really difficult to see how thousands of workers were allowed to work in Tesla’s factory. Is required. It is also Not surprisingly, Kasturi wants his staff to continue working. Then again, this is the same person who has justice Tested positive For Kovid-19, the disease he said would happen April, And then raised doubts about the accuracy of the test.

Given the situation in the country, I hope the company will at least be more cautious. We’ll ask, but that’s not right Anyone around there.

.