You aren't thinking cynically enough.
Politicians are not (in the modern era especially) in the habit of actually solving problems; A good problem is one you can kick along until the populace solves it for you, but which you can manouver to get better PR and thus get re-elected. (See also the issues with race relations, climate change, income disparity, healthcare affordability, etc....)
Covid spreads because of the status-quo. Only severe disruptions to the status quo will cause a reduction in its spread. It mutates rapidly, because it is a motherfucking corona virus.
The specialists that deal with corona viruses have been warning about this potentiality for over a decade and a half. Since the only really effective methods for dealing with such an eventuality is massive disruption to the status-quo (as it relates to cramming people elbows to assholes into movie theaters, airplanes, and diners, and also as it relates to patient zero traveling literally all the way around the world with 30 minute stop-overs in a dozen countries, because they went on vacation in Borneo), it was blatantly and purposefully ignored (because god forbid you actually have at least a plan for the eventuality, rather than just pointedly ignore the risk because it is political suicide to implement) (and then cause the scientists to be smeared as chicken littles for decades!), and then lo and behold, HERE WE FUCKING ARE.
See, this politician is just absolutely stunned that the usual methods of "Ignore it and it will go away!" has not worked.
This is why you should not vote for the most glib, personable, attractive, and generally likable candidate, and instead focus on the politicians track record on actually resolving problems or advancing needed legislation (rather than obstructionism.)
We, the electorate, are responsible for raising these people to office, and allowing this behavior. The Pandemic just thrust it into sharp relief.