Tesla is shutting down its factory in California as the coronavirus pandemic intensifies and the San Francisco Bay Area shelters in place

• Tesla said that it would suspend production at its Fremont, California, factory beginning March 23.
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On Thursday, Tesla said that it would suspend production at its main factory in Fremont, California, beginning March 23.

"In the past few days, we have met with local, state and federal officials," Tesla said in a statement.

"We have followed and are continuing to follow all legal directions and safety guidelines with respect to the operations of our facilities, and have honored the Federal Government's direction to continue operating. Despite taking all known health precautions, continued operations in certain locations has caused challenges for our employees, their families and our suppliers."

The San Francisco Bay Area is under a multicounty shelter-in-place directive, but Tesla had continued to operate.

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