Can you attend church in South Carolina under the stay-at home order?

Prayer

The order states people "shall limit their movements outside of their home, place of residence, or current place of abode (collectively, “residence”), except as allowed by this order, for purposes of engaging in essential business, essential activities or critical infrastructure operations, as set forth below and as such terms are further defined herein."

It says for the purpose of the order, essential activities shall mean and include the following, "Attending religious services conducted in churches, synagogues or other houses of worship."

The order adds, "Any individual leaving his or her residence as authorized herein shall take reasonable steps to maintain 6-feet of separation from any other person."

McMaster addressed Easter services during the news conference where he announced the stay at home order.

"On Easter services, we recommend that those services continue, of course, but we urge the churches and others to stream on the internet, if they can, to meet outdoors, if they can and if they can't do those, please provide for that social distancing in the church.

McMaster was asked by a reporter during the news conference about a church in Charleston that held a service and the pastor said it was his constitution right to keep the church open.

"I can't speak for other governors but this governor is not going to intrude on the First Amendment. That is an absolute right. We are encouraging pastors and others and any house of worship and any congregation of any kind to use social distancing. That is go online."

He added that he and his wife are watching services online.

McMaster encourages churches to "keep doing it that way or have the service outside with social distancing or if you must have a congregation under a roof then use that social distancing. But that First Amendment right is very important, just like the others. We are respecting that."

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