PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Employees at the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) will be working remotely until further notice.

The building on Friendship Street in Providence was closed to all staff on Monday after a bat was spotted on the second floor on Sunday.

DCYF leaders said they are taking the situation seriously and made this decision out of an abundance of caution.

The employees' union had recently been raising concerns over health issues, though agency leaders said the building was safe to work in.

Last month, the state properties committee called for public comment sessions on those concerns.

The building's lease runs out on Nov. 30, but the agency is expected to stay in the building and pay rent month-to-month.

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