Workers at Tesla Inc's California vehicle factory are deemed essential and are not impacted by the state's latest restrictions to curb a new surge in coronavirus infections, the California health department said on Friday. Tesla and local California officials in March engaged in a heated months-long standoff over restrictions imposed to curb the first wave of infections, which culminated in the company's chief executive, Elon Musk, defying health orders, suing local officials and threatening to leave the state. California's governor on Thursday imposed a curfew on social gatherings and other nonessential activities. During the initial virus outbreak in March, local officials ordered Tesla to halt production and Tesla's factory remained shut down for roughly six weeks. Billionaire Musk in early May defied county orders by reopening the factory, telling county officials he stood ready for arrest.

Source: Mint November 20, 2020 22:30 UTC