Chinese Visa For Uk National

I really need some help and I will be very grateful for any responses.

I am planning to go Shanghai at the end of May, Regarding the virus personally I am a low-risk individual and will stay with my friend/lover so I don't have much interest in going places with social gatherings.

I need to apply for a Chinese Tourist Visa, but I am worried if i book a ticket for May will the Chinese reject my visa because of the virus and when applying for the Visa does anyone know if I also submit a flight itinerary without paying for an official ticket will this be rejected.

If it is very differcult to apply for a tourist visa, does anyone have any smart methods to obtain one during this crazy time ??? All I want right now is to be reunited with my lover

Does anyone know any UK nationals going on holiday during this silly virus and what kind of consequences do they face.