I agree. As I think you recognize, the measures that we have to delay the arrival and spread are quite limited and rather imperfect. They probably do need to be activated but not relied on ostrich-fashion.
This is a rant. As a now retired engineer I have concentrated on setting and/or accepting measurable and achievable stretch objectives and working out how to get there. I have often had to work with amateur (and some professional) politicians whose overwhelming self-confidence allowed them to tell me that they have a great idea; I shall make it work in the way they say; and if it does not that's my incompetence instead of their ignorance and over-ambition. I learned to be diplomatic when required [1]; but to call them out plainly when appropriate to avoid the inevitable. Sorry for the rant but so many over-confident politicians [2] seem to have a finger in this pie that I think it's a recognizable situation.
New variants will arrive and spread for sure, and today's achievable delay may not be as large as desirable. Reacting quickly enough; working out how improve; and understanding how to mitigate impact is something where politicians need to to enable those experts prepared to take on the objective, and then step far enough away to leave them room to execute and take the right risks on our behalf - which may be counter-intuitive, without fearing ignorant blame for the clear uncertainties.
[1] A diplomat is someone who can tell you to go to hell in such a way that you will look forward to the trip.
[2] It seems to me that anyone (of any political leaning) capable of being appointed to a political position is, by definition, not the right person to hold it.