ETA: Please don't read this as argumentative, it comes off here as too direct when I just mean to be asking questions...
What makes the shortages political? I guess the first thing I think about is packing plants when you say shortage. And from that angle, I just don't see anything as political. They don't want to close; the closest you can get to political is the possibility that packing plants are filled with migrants or illegal aliens or some group that shouldn't be allowed, politically.
In the bigger picture, what makes anything political? I've read every post in all three threads and yes it gets political but isn't that all man made? Made by us and the links we bring in by people who have ulterior motives? I don't see the virus, the symptoms, or the data as political, like many here appear to.
To answer your question IMO it's too early to claim the virus is not still a major epidemiological issue, and "next" has more to do with being content with what you have and actively making the world a better place.
Unfortunately politics has invaded the the situation. Bankrupt states are looking for bailouts for unrelated economic issues. Political parties are looking for advantage as are candidates in the current election process. That does not even take into account the competition among those with patents for vaccines and medications that may be advantageous in the coronavirus treatment vs medications that are off patent and cheap to the masses. Then there are academics competing for big bucks of federal funding along with the competition among nation states.
I stand by my claim, it is all politics and powerful competition now...