This article used internet search data to assess collective attention and information-seeking search patterns following government announcements related to COVID-19.

Announcements of the first state COVID-19 cases had the largest effect on people’s information-seeking behaviors related to the virus and its symptoms, followed by announcements of first deaths. Government information disclosure focuses public attention on the crisis, which affects people’s searches of what they can and should be doing. Government has a responsibility then to provide clear advice to the public.