Call IRCC. You can get the exact status even if you don’t have access to my cic account.If you have linked your application to mycic account, you will get an update when they start your background check. In ECAS it does not show background check update. Mine started recently, but it does not show it in ECAS and I didn't get any email either. In my opinion, mycic account is your best bet. If there are other ways, may be some other members can provide some guidance.