> The figures are an estimate, based on tests on thousands of people in random households across the UK. They provide the most accurate picture of Covid now th

> The figures are an estimate, based on tests on thousands of people in random households across the UK. They provide the most accurate picture of Covid now that free testing for the public in England has come to an end. Given the weight of the matter, why weren't both of these done all along? That is, free testing is a particular profile, if you will. A profile that may or may not reflect the broader population. Isn't a representative sample a smart backup to the less controlled free-and-whoever-you-are testing? Walk up and get tested and that becomes a proxy for all doesn't feel scientific.