Workers find bedbugs in Philadelphia City Hall

Employees who staff Philadelphia City Hall’s 311 call center have been sent home early after a bedbug infestation was found in the office’s carpet.

Mayor Michael Nutter’s spokesman says about 50 employees were sent home at about 1 p.m. Thursday.

Mark McDonald says exterminators have been called in and the office will reopen Friday morning. He says he hasn’t heard of other offices in City Hall being affected and no other offices are being checked.

Workers in the 311 center handle nonemergency questions and requests from citizens. They’ve been fielding inquires leading up to Pope Francis’ visit to the city next week. McDonald says the staff will continue to take information requests through email and social media while the office is cleaned.