Facebook said Friday it would cut content from Myanmar's military saying it had "continued to spread misinformation" after seizing power and detaining civilian leaders Feb. 1.

The measures include an official page run by the army and one by a representative, Facebook said in a statement, as well as "any additional pages that the military controls that repeatedly violate our misinformation policies." The pages will also not appear on news feeds as "recommended."

Meanwhile, Myanmar's military chief Min Aung Hlaing told demonstrators to end protests against his takeover owing to the risk of spreading COVID. Thousands continue to protest nationwide demanding the restoration of ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi's government.

This is in spite of rising concerns internationally that it is only a matter of time before the military cracks down on the demonstrations with force. The face-off between the police and protesters took a deadly turn this week after live rounds were fired at a rally in Naypyidaw critically wounding a woman who is currently battling for life.

Mya Thwate Thwate Khaing, 20, was shot in the head and is in intensive care after suffering gunshot wounds with the identity of gunman still unknown even as Facebook and Twitter users have launched an online hunt.

Min Aung Hlaing demanded civil servants return to work. He also ordered people Friday to work with the military if they want democracy. "I would seriously urge the entire nation to join hands with the (military) for the successful realization of democracy," he said. "Historical lessons have taught us that only national unity can ensure the nondisintegration of the Union and the perpetuation of sovereignty," he added.

In addition to the military commander's message published Friday in the Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper, the new junta also announced it would release thousands of prisoners and reduce others' sentences.

On Thursday, there were more reports of arrests with the deputy speaker of the parliament's lower house and a key aide to Suu Kyi being arrested.

The military has imposed a one year state of emergency after the coup and alleged voter fraud in the November elections - a claim which was denied by protesters.

The coup ousted the civilian government of Suu Kyi and prevented elected politicians from opening a new session of parliament. The military said it was forced to step in because Suu Kyi's government failed to properly investigate allegations of fraud in November elections. The country's election commission said there was no evidence to support those claims.

Myanmar's ethnic minority groups have joined the protests.

The U.S. government announced Thursday that new sanctions will target the country's top military officials who ordered the coup.

The sanctions named Min Aung Hlaing and his deputy Soe Win, as well as four members of the State Administration Council. An executive order signed by U.S. President Joe Biden also allows the Treasury Department to target the spouses and adult children of those being sanctioned.

The move will prevent the generals from accessing more than $1 billion in Myanmar government funds held in the U.S.

Many of the military leaders are already under sanctions because of attacks against the Muslim Rohingya minority.