The reason to population numbers and trends are important is to work out what's happening in the population, and therefore plan for dealing with changes in case

The reason to population numbers and trends are important is to work out what's happening in the population, and therefore plan for dealing with changes in case load. Measuring current pressure on the NHS is important yes, but knowing that cases in the population are rising or not, and if so by how much, is also vital information for resource planning. Having said that, clearly the tests are being recalibrated and their usage adjusted as new information becomes available. These adjustments in tests seem to have increased accuracy. Isn't that what we want? There's no conspiracy or scandal here.