York Co. Sheriff encourages deputies to ‘err on the side of liberty rather than control’ when handling crowds of 3 or more

York County Sheriff Kevin Tolson said he has told his officers to keep the public safe, but to err on the side of liberty rather than control when it comes to dispersing crowds of 3 or more.

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster made an executive order yesterday afternoon authorizing law enforcement to preserve public health by giving them the power to disperse crowds three or more people.

Exceptions include gatherings in homes or authorized gatherings, shopping at grocery or home improvement stores, getting gas, daycares, construction sites and blood drives.

Authorized gatherings do not include congregating at the entrance of a store to socialize or gatherings at public parks.