500000 reported short sales on 16may does that mean rise in...

500000 reported short sales on 16may does that mean rise in total or can mean reduction in short positions.. can we see daily reduction in total shorts and how is that interpreted on the daily stat's or do we only rises ?? or why did that happen, so was 500000 short sales a strategic move and how did that play on the sp as it soared than tanked .. hmm I understand only few some know the answers to this confusing thingo .. I also understand while it's shorted heavily there is a downside mood over sp and any potential buyer could or would wait and stay away from heavily shorted stocks, like for example kogan atm I would not buy ..hmm the term covering if used in answer is confusing as well.