I’m sure it’s difficult for leaders to set realistic expectations while dealing with large groups who are into denial, defiance, or experiencing “pandemic fatigue.” We managed to eradicate other diseases before members of those groups brought them back. I get the feeling that “new normal / we’ll just learn to live with it” messaging was a reaction to dealing with folks who want instant solutions while fostering mistrust in vaccines or treatments they believe were developed too quickly. 
Despite the messages being sent to the public and how groups in many countries are treating this, I don’t believe all scientists have thrown in the towel on eradication.
