its based on standard data stats collected by NHS/collated by ONS, only a new catagory of Covid added (which happens from time to time). ONS then republish in many (many) different sets. i wouldnt blame the ONS for trying to make sense of the raw data, except people come along and think this is...
the media like to ramp up a fear and i believe they should be restricted in their reporting in national emergencies. i wouldnt be so charitable to call the government response a strategy. things could be different, more clarity and coordination is needed.