The government has been accused of attempting to bring in local lockdowns by the 'back door' as it quietly published new guidance on not travelling to or from Bolton.
Vaccine minister Nadhim Zahawi was forced to answer an urgent question from Labour - and other MPs - in the Commons earlier amid concerns about how the message was communicated.
Some directors of public health and MPs said they had not been informed of Friday's change, which was only discovered on Monday.
But what do you think?
Fill in our survey HERE, or below to let us know what you think.
The B.1.617.2 strain of the virus, often called the Indian variant, has led to cases rocketing in Bolton - the rate is now above 450.2 cases per 100,000 population.
Surge testing and vaccinations are taking place - but the government is also urging people not to travel to or from the town.
The message was not communicated by any Downing Street announcement, however, and was via a message on the government website urging people to avoid all but necessary travel.
People are also being warned not to meet indoors in Bolton and seven other areas nationally with high cases of the variant.
