While the states and local governments in the US are still trying to determine the best way to open up after lockdown, electric car-manufacturing giant, Tesla, has restarted its production on May 11, defying government orders.
Tesla has reopened its only US electric car plant in California, despite local orders against manufacturing.
Announcing this on Twitter, Elon Musk, CEO, Tesla, said, “Tesla is restarting production today against Alameda County rules. I will be on the line with everyone else. If anyone is arrested, I ask that it only be me.”
The plant is located in Alameda County, which has a regional shelter-in-place order, which is set to be lifted on May 31, 2020.
According to a statement released by the Alameda County officials, the electric car company is yet to submit the proposal for such a crucial move.
County health authorities stated that they have become aware of the fact that the plant has reopened beyond basic maintenance. They have, therefore, sent a notice to Tesla it can only maintain minimal operations until an approved plan is in place.
It was unclear whether Tesla will suffer any consequences for reopening its production, despite several local orders in place.
“We look forward to reviewing Tesla’s plan and coming to agreement on protocol and a timeline to reopen safely,” said the county officials.
Earlier on May 9, Tesla had mentioned that it was preparing to resume operations with certain modifications in place and that it had shared the plan with local authorities.
