Same Storm, Different Boats: Covid, Community and How We Come Together

In Same Storm, Different Boats, former Public Health Director Jason Strelitz shares a candid, moving, and insightful account of the Covid-19 pandemic through the lens of Newham, East London—one of Britain's most diverse communities. From the first whispers of a mysterious virus in Wuhan to the harrowing days of overcrowded hospitals and the hopeful rollout of life-saving vaccines, the book recounts how Jason and his public health team navigated an unprecedented public health crisis. But this isn't just a story of policy decisions and PPE shortages; it's a story of real people, the power of community, and the resilience of those who faced the storm together. Through compelling anecdotes and personal reflections, Same Storm, Different Boats exposes the harsh inequalities Covid-19 magnified, and the vital importance of social solidarity. As we move into a future still shaped by the pandemic's lessons, the book challenges us to build fairer, healthier communities. It's a powerful call to action and a testament to the unsung heroes of the pandemic—the local leaders, neighbours, and community champions who showed us what it truly means to come together when the world is falling apart. Same Storm, Different Boats is for readers interested in the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as those in public policy and local government roles in social change.