Tesla CEO Elon Musk railed against what he called “fascist” social distancing measures on an earnings call Wednesday. In an expletive-laden rant, Musk warned that shelter-in-place orders in California, where a major Tesla factory is located, also pose a “serious risk” to the company.
“If somebody wants to stay in their house, that’s great,” Musk said, according to a recording of the call reviewed by CBS News. “They can stay in their house and they should not be compelled to leave. But to say that they cannot leave their house and they will be arrested if they do, this is fascist. This is not democratic, this is not freedom. Give people. back their g d freedom. “
No state has implemented an order forbidding residents from leaving their homes, although many have ordered residents to only leave for essential purposes.
An order in the six-county San Francisco Bay Area forced Tesla to close one of its plants, starting March , to help prevent the virus’ spread . That order was later extended until the end of May. Public health experts say the orders have reduced the number of new coronavirus cases nationwide.
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