diff --git a/WHATS_NEW b/WHATS_NEW
index a545a5d8b..da5f5f473 100644
--- a/WHATS_NEW
+++ b/WHATS_NEW
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 Version 2.02.178 - 
 =====================================
+  Add prioritized_section() to restore cookie boundaries (2.02.177).
   Enhance error messages when read error happens.
   Enhance mirror log initialization for old mirror target.
   Skip private crypto and stratis devices.
diff --git a/lib/mm/memlock.c b/lib/mm/memlock.c
index 897bf10ee..b55cc97f9 100644
--- a/lib/mm/memlock.c
+++ b/lib/mm/memlock.c
@@ -634,6 +634,11 @@ int critical_section(void)
 	return _critical_section;
 }
 
+int prioritized_section(void)
+{
+	return _priority_raised;
+}
+
 /*
  * The memlock_*_daemon functions will force the mlockall() call that we need
  * to stay in memory, but they will have no effect on device scans (unlike
diff --git a/lib/mm/memlock.h b/lib/mm/memlock.h
index ef2ebcb87..d0807d52b 100644
--- a/lib/mm/memlock.h
+++ b/lib/mm/memlock.h
@@ -34,6 +34,7 @@ struct cmd_context;
 void critical_section_inc(struct cmd_context *cmd, const char *reason);
 void critical_section_dec(struct cmd_context *cmd, const char *reason);
 int critical_section(void);
+int prioritized_section(void);
 void memlock_inc_daemon(struct cmd_context *cmd);
 void memlock_dec_daemon(struct cmd_context *cmd);
 int memlock_count_daemon(void);