The person waiting for news should not have to keep updating everyone who is curious.

Waiting for news is exhausting on its own, and the person doing it often becomes an information service on top of it. Every kind message needs an answer, each retelling puts them back inside the situation, and the concern of many people quietly becomes a job for the one with the least capacity. Being asked is not the same as being supported.

Offer to be the person who updates everyone, and say so plainly. If you are the one waiting, appoint a friend and send others to them. Send messages that need no reply, and say clearly that none is expected.