Why are cases important? Assuming PCR, can get whatever result you want with the cycle threshold (discussion begins around minute 3:50):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_Vy6fgaBPE

Want more positive cases? Use a higher threshold. Want to scare the population into compliance? Use a higher threshold. Want to demonstrate that person X or policy Y was effective against stopping spread? Use a lower threshold.