Christian funerals outside of churches have been banned in some areas of China as the communist government begins to enforce new regulations on religious practices.

“I hope the supplies could reach where they are needed as soon as possible, so that people who are suffering the disease could feel the concern from the Holy See,” Father Han told the Global Times. “The whole world is standing together to fight the virus.”

Diocesan guidelines included cleaning directions -- including microphones used by lectors -- and instructed people to bow their heads instead of shaking hands during the sign of peace.

A Catholic layman in Hebei, identified only as Paul, said he was "worried that the authorities would use this to crack down on the church."

China has blasted a report from Human Rights Watch that accused it of constructing a surveillance state at home while seeking to silence critics abroad.

As many as 50% of China's estimated 10 million to 12 million Catholics worship in communities not registered with the Chinese government.