CHELMSFORD — In a news release Tuesday morning, officials announced that the Massachusetts National Guard will be deployed to a local nursing home to conduct “widespread” coronavirus testing.

National Guard resources are expected to arrive at the Palm Center, a Genesis HealthCare facility on Parkhurst Road, before the end of the day Tuesday, according to the release. The deployment is “being conducted out of an abundance of caution and does not suggest a wider danger in Chelmsford as a whole,” the release reads.

The decision was made following requests from staff and discussion among Chelmsford leaders, facility administrators and the Department of Public Heath, according to the release.

The release states that “numerous” residents at the Palm Center have tested positive for COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus, but does not specify a number. Chelmsford is one of several area communities that have ceased releasing local case counts after receiving guidance from the Department of Public Health urging patient privacy.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented in its scale and spread,” Police Chief Spinney said in the release. “We are fortunate to have great partnerships and excellent chains of communication among municipal first responders, our Chelmsford health department, state health officials and administrators at the Palm Center. The health and safety of our most vulnerable residents comes first for everyone.”

This is a developing story.