Tesla is temporarily suspending production at California and Buffalo factories amid pandemic

Tesla announced it will temporarily suspend production at its Fremont, California factory at the end of the day on March 23.

Tesla’s stock was down about 5% on the news.

Tesla said basic operations at the plant would continue to support vehicle and energy service operations and charging infrastructure, as directed by the local, state and federal authorities.

Tesla will also halt production at its Gigafactory 2 production base in Buffalo, New York, where it is making solar photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules.

This plant will only remain operational for parts and supplies necessary for service, infrastructure, and critical supply chains.

“Despite taking all known health precautions, continued operations in certain locations has caused challenges for our employees, their families, and our suppliers,” Tesla said in the press release.

Operations at Tesla’s other facilities, including the Tesla Gigafactory in Sparks, Nevada, will remain operational.

The manufacturer is implementing a “touchless deliveries” plan at many of its sites in order to reduce the potential for spreading the infectious disease.