FRESNO, Calif. (KERO) — Holding a New Year's Eve party in Fresno could land you with a serious fine. The City of Fresno announced emergency orders Thursday prohibiting mass gatherings.

The property owner and the host of any large parties can each be fined $10,000 without any warnings first. This will remain in effect through the weekend

"Given that hospitals are overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients, the City Attorney and Code Enforcement have been directed to enforce all emergency orders prohibiting mass gatherings, including any New Year's parties and similar gatherings. Owners of the property where violations occur and promoters of these illegal gatherings will be cited as egregious violations, without additional notice or warnings, to the maximum extent provided by law," said a statement from the City of Fresno.

The orders came after the Fresno city council held an emergency meeting to discuss tougher penalties for New Year's Eve party organizers, among other topics.

Residents are being told to avoid parties.