Over-cautious health officials want the government to stop Thanksgiving.

That’s right. In order to end the coronavirus pandemic, health department leaders and municipal rulers are urging Oklahomans to stay at home on Thanksgiving and not host family and friends.

The Chinese coronavirus is a threat, but so is forced isolationism and the abandonment of American traditions.

For months, residents of nursing homes have been quarantined because the threat of the coronavirus is greater for the aged. This has caused a lot of hardship and suffering for family and friends.

Hospitals have kept almost everyone away from patients to stem the tide of the pandemic and there is some sense in protecting these vulnerable patients.

But to tell families to forego Thanksgiving dinner is a step too far. Our knowledge of the virus tells us that children and young people (who don’t have serious health issues already) are not very susceptible to the virus and even if they do get it, the mortality rate is very, very low.

But there are those who will jump at the chance to change our culture. Thanksgiving is a special holiday that centered on thank God for His blessings. We gather around a bountiful feast with family and friends to remind each other how good things are despite the pandemic and the economic crunch.

Tulsa charities go all out to provide the poor and homeless a special meal on Thanksgiving to lift their spirits and give them hope.

With common sense, we can enjoy a very safe Thanksgiving.